The Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Length of Hospital Stay in Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) at Pasirian Regional General Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Prenatal complications in premature infants are one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality. One such complication is Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). Infants receiving care in the NICU, particularly those with RDS, still require nutrition to boost their immune system and improve their health status, as RDS in neonates is a major contributor to increased morbidity and mortality in newborns and is one of the factors determining the length of hospital stay for neonates. This study aims to determine the relationship between breastfeeding and length of hospital stay in neonates with RDS in the NICU at Pasirian Regional General Hospital.

Method: This study uses a retrospective design with an analytical correlation method. The study sample consisted of infants aged 0–28 days who were diagnosed with Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Result: The conclusion is that breastfeeding among infants with RDS in the NICU at Pasirian Regional General Hospital was divided into three categories: exclusive breastfeeding (47.4%), a combination of breastfeeding and formula (50%), and exclusive formula feeding (2.6%). Meanwhile, the length of hospital stay for infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome in the NICU at Pasirian Regional General Hospital was categorized into three groups: < 5 days for 18 respondents (47%), 5–7 days for 14 respondents (36.8%), and > 7 days for 6 respondents (15.7%).

Conclusion: The results of this study conclude that infants who are exclusively breastfed will have a shorter length of hospital stay for Respiratory Distress Syndrome.