Abstract

Breastfeeding has been identified as a protective measure to defend against infection, while cigarette smoking is linked with increasing the risk of infection. The purpose of this research was to determine if there is a relationship between dietary influences and exposure to cigarette smoke on myringotomy rates of infants. The Betty Neuman Systems Model was the theoretical framework which guided the study. The researcher, using a correlational ex post facto study design, sought an answer to the question: Is there a relationship between dietary influences and exposure to cigarette smoke on myringotomy rates of infants? A convenience sampling of 128 infants two years old or younger who had undergone myringotomy with pressure equalization tube insertion was utilized. A hospital in north Mississippi was the site of the study. The medical records of subjects were reviewed for data collection. Categorical data were analyzed utilizing a chi-square test of independence with a 0.05 level of significance, 95% confidence interval, and one degree of freedom. The critical chi-square value was 3.841. The research test iv statistic of 0.119 did not exceed the critical value. Therefore, no statistically significant relationship was found between dietary influences and exposure to cigarette smoke on myringotomy rates of infants. A serendipitous finding which indicated a significant increase in myringotomy rates in bottle fed infants (78%) was a strong implication for the encouragement of breastfeeding through parental education by the nurse practitioner. Recommendation for further research included conduction of a similar study which incorporated a different research design to allow for prospective data collection.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-1996

Publication Number

27919831

First Advisor

Dr. Patricia E. Smyth

Second Advisor

Dr. Bonnie Lockard

Document Type

Thesis

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

COinS