EFFECTIVENESS OF OLIVE OIL MASSAGE ON WEIGHT GAIN AMONG LOW BIRTH WEIGHT NEONATES: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Author Name: 1. Arpita 2. Richie John

Volume/Issue: 07/01

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/06.2026-41377318/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Nursing Tutor, College of Nursing, Government Medical College, Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
2. Associate Professor, Yashraj Institute of Professional Studies, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.

ABSTRACT

Low birth weight (LBW) remains a major public health concern and is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Neonates weighing less than 2500 grams at birth are at increased risk of hypothermia, infections, feeding difficulties, delayed growth, and developmental complications. Various non-pharmacological interventions have been explored to improve growth outcomes among these vulnerable infants. Olive oil massage is a simple, low-cost, and culturally acceptable intervention that may enhance weight gain through tactile stimulation, improved circulation, enhanced digestion, and reduced energy expenditure. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of olive oil massage on weight gain among low birth weight neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control group design was adopted. Forty low birth weight neonates were selected using purposive sampling, with 20 neonates assigned to the experimental group and 20 to the control group. The experimental group received olive oil massage at a dose of 5 ml/kg body weight for 15 minutes twice daily for ten consecutive days, while the control group received routine care. Weight measurements were recorded daily. Findings revealed a statistically significant increase in weight among neonates who received olive oil massage compared with those who received routine care. The study concludes that olive oil massage is an effective intervention for promoting weight gain among low birth weight neonates and should be considered as a supportive nursing practice in neonatal care settings.

Key words: Low birth weight neonates, olive oil massage, neonatal growth, weight gain, neonatal nursing, infant massage, neonatal intensive care.