The Effect of Nursing Care Based on Kolcaba Comfort Theory in the Delivery Room

Newborns may experience pain, stress, and physiological changes during and after birth. Appropriate nursing care during this period can reduce negative effects by increasing the baby's comfort. Kolbaba's Comfort Theory aims to provide holistic care by supporting physical, psychological, environmental, and sociocultural comfort. This study aims to investigate the effects of nursing interventions based on Kolcaba's theory on pain, comfort, crying duration, and physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO₂, body temperature, etc.) in noenates delivered vaginally. The findings aim to reveal the contribution of comfort-focused approaches in noenates care to clinical outcomes.

Kolcaban's Comfort Theory for Care in the Delivery Room

Intervention Group:

• Physical sub-dimension; 2. Psychospiritual comfort sub-dimension: White noise playback; skin-to-skin contact; gentle touch; 3. Sociocultural comfort sub-dimension: Family-centered care (providing contact with parents), respect for cultural practices; 4. Care will be provided in accordance with the Environmental Comfort sub-dimension..

Research Population and Sample: The study will be conducted on newborns born vaginally in the maternity ward and whose parents are eligible and agree to participate in the study. Sample: This study will be conducted on newborns selected on a voluntary basis, meeting the inclusion criteria, gestational age 38-42 weeks, 2500-4000 g, and an Apgar score ≥7. Sample Size: The number determined by power analysis, e.g., 60 infants (30 experimental, 30 control).

Study Inclusion Criteria: The baby was born vaginally; the gestational age was 38 weeks or older; the baby had no congenital anomalies; the baby had a Power (1-β err prob); the baby was breathing spontaneously; the baby did not require oxygen support; the baby was a singleton; the baby had an Apgar score between 7 and 10 at the 1st and 5th minutes; The first invasive procedure was the administration of vitamin K and hepatitis B vaccine; the same researcher performed the intramuscular injection on each baby; no assistive equipment was used during birth; and the family agreed to participate in the study.

Inclusion criteria

• Vaginal delivery newborns in the delivery room
• Spontaneous vaginal delivery
• Stable condition (APGAR ≥7 at 5 minutes)
• No congenital anomalies
• Gestational age ≥37 weeks
• Birth weight ≥2500g
• No maternal sedation/analgesia in last 4 hours
• No neonatal resuscitation required

Exclusion criteria

• Preterm infants (<37 weeks)
• Maternal fever (>38°C) or chorioamnionitis
• Major congenital anomalies
• Need for NICU admission
• Maternal general anesthesia