THE INCIDENCE OF READMISSIONS AMONG VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS

Abstract

This study investigated the type of feeding and sociodemographic factors associated with the event of rehospitalization in premature infants with very low birth weight in a University Hospital. This is a quantitative and longitudinal study conducted with infants born between 2007 and 2009. Data were obtained from medical records during two years of following-up untill one year of life of premature infants. Of the 61 infants, studied 44.3% were readmitted at least once in their first year of life being 88.8% before six months of life. At the time of readmission, 88.9% of these infants had been weaned and only three babies that were still being breastfed needed rehospitalization. Low family income, origin and more than 60 days in hospital were associated with the event of rehospitalization. Out of diagnoses for readmission, 55.5% were related to respiratory problems. These data demonstrate the importance of breastfeeding for preterm infants related to decreased incidence of readmissions, improving the quality of life of these infants and their families. In addition, this research revealed for professionals who work with premature infants and their families the special attention required for these in relation to the encouragement and support of breastfeeding.