Biophysiological responses of premature infants in neonatal nursing care: a descriptive study of infant and maternal characteristics

Abstract

Preterm infants are physiologically vulnerable and require continuous cardiorespiratory and thermal monitoring during neonatal nursing care. Evidence describing physiological indicators in relation to infant maturity and maternal sociodemographic characteristics remains limited. This study aimed to describe physiological indicators (heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature) among preterm infants and examine their associations with infant and maternal characteristics. An observational descriptive study was conducted from August to December 2025 among preterm infants (<37 weeks of gestation) admitted to a neonatal unit using consecutive sampling. Infant and maternal data were obtained from clinical records, while physiological parameters were collected through routine monitoring. Descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equations were applied (p < 0.05). Of 124 eligible infants, 120 were included. Mean gestational age was 33.2 ± 2.4 weeks and mean birth weight was 1,860 ± 420 g. Mean heart rate was 148.6 ± 14.8 beats/min, respiratory rate was 46.2 ± 8.1 breaths/min, oxygen saturation was 95.1 ± 2.8%, and temperature was 36.6 ± 0.4 °C; 18.3% experienced mild hypothermia. Lower gestational age was associated with higher respiratory rate and lower oxygen saturation, whereas higher birth weight, maternal education, and better economic status were associated with improved oxygenation and thermal stability. These findings support individualized neonatal nursing surveillance and family-centered care. The study was limited by its single-center design and inability to establish causal relationships.