Effect of Kangaroo Care on Pain in Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim This study was conducted to determine the effect of kangaroo care on pain during vaccination in infants. Method The study was conducted as a randomised controlled trial with 128 healthy one-month-old infants and their mothers. Sociodemographic information form, Neonatal Infant Pain Scale, pulse oximetry and stopwatch were used for data collection. Results Statistically significant differences were found between the groups before, during and after vaccination in terms of Neonatal Infant Pain Scale scores, oxygen saturation rates and crying times. While there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of heart rate before and during the vaccination procedure, a statistically significant difference was found after vaccination. Conclusion Kangaroo care has been found to decrease crying time, heart rate and pain in vaccinated infants, while also increasing blood oxygen saturation levels.