Mahoney, Amanda
(2025)
Feeding Challenges in Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Comprehensive Exploration of Interventions, Outcomes, and Maternal Perspective Post NICU-Discharge.
Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Premature infants have underdeveloped, possibly impaired, physical and/or neurophysiologic functioning required for oral feeding. A scoping review of infant feeding intervention research (Study 1) determined that there is a gap in feeding research for infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). BPD is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by abnormal lung growth and/or underdevelopment, exacerbated by cycles of injury and recovery. BPD affects the mechanics of feeding, putting the infant at risk for short and long-term adverse events. Up to 50% of infants with BPD are likely to be re-hospitalized for respiratory infections within the first year, likely due to feeding and swallowing difficulties. It is crucial to determine which factors contribute to future feeding difficulties, to avoid the financial, social, and psychological stress associated with hospital encounters and readmissions. Consequently, Study 2 aimed to determine which factors lead to unplanned, feeding-related healthcare encounters within one year of discharge. When infants are discharged, their caregivers become the sole providers of safe and consistent feeding; however, infants with BPD often have feeding difficulties and growth delays, which can be emotionally and psychologically taxing for caregivers. Research suggests that parents with high levels of perceived self-efficacy are more adept at coping with challenges related to newborn care. Therefore, Study 3 aimed to explore the experience of a caregiver feeding her infant with BPD post discharge, the impact of the severity of the feeding problem on the caregiver, and the role of self-efficacy in mitigating that impact.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
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| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
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| ETD Committee: |
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| Date: |
25 February 2025 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Defense Date: |
22 November 2024 |
| Approval Date: |
25 February 2025 |
| Submission Date: |
5 December 2024 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
157 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences > Communication Science and Disorders |
| Degree: |
PhD - Doctor of Philosophy |
| Thesis Type: |
Doctoral Dissertation |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
feeding, swallowing, infant, caregiver, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, preterm, dysphagia |
| Date Deposited: |
25 Feb 2025 16:02 |
| Last Modified: |
25 Feb 2025 16:02 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/47185 |
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