Abstract
BACKGROUND: Preterm neonates are at high risk of hypothermia, which can lead to adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to compare the effects of immersion bath followed by Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) versus sponge bath followed by KMC on the thermal stability of preterm neonates. METHODS: A prospective interventional study was conducted on 76 preterm neonates, with 38 neonates in each group (immersion bath and sponge bath). Axillary temperature was measured before the bath and at various time intervals after the bath (immediately, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes). RESULTS: The mean axillary temperature was significantly higher in the immersion bath group compared to the sponge bath group immediately after the bath (97.6°F vs. 96.3°F, p<0.001), at 15 minutes (97.6°F vs. 96.8°F, p<0.001), 30 minutes (97.9°F vs. 97.3°F, p=0.001), and 45 minutes (98.1°F vs. 97.7°F, p=0.002) post-bath. However, the difference was not statistically significant at 60 minutes post-bath (98.2°F vs. 98.0°F, p=0.091). CONCLUSION: Immersion bathing followed by KMC is more effective than sponge bathing followed by KMC in maintaining thermal stability in preterm neonates. Healthcare providers should consider adopting this approach as the preferred bathing method for preterm neonates to promote better health outcomes.