Awareness status and influencing characteristics of neonatal nurses regarding the use of near-infrared spectroscopy

Abstract

Objective: To determine the awareness of neonatal nurses about near-infrared spectrometers (NIRS) used in preterm and term newborns and the demographic characteristics affecting their use. Method: This descriptive study was conducted with 210 neonatal nurses registered with the Neonatology Nursing Association between May and July 2024. Results: The average score was found to be 17.03 ± 7.79, which the nurses could obtain from the NIRS information form. This score shows that nurses have a moderate level of knowledge and awareness. It was found that there was a statistically significant difference in the level of knowledge and awareness of neonatal nurses about NIRS according to age (p = 0.049), education level (p < 0.001), years of working in the NICU (p = 0.007), having a neonatal nursing certificate (p = 0.006) and previous use of a NIRS spectrometer (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that the knowledge and awareness level of neonatal nurses about NIRS was at a moderate level. © 2025 Neonatal Nurses Association