Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Nurses Regarding Oral Disorders in Premature Newborns: A cross-sectional descriptive study in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units

Background: Oral feeding disorders (OFD) are among the most frequent complications of prematurity, disrupting the sucking–swallowing–breathing coordination essential for safe oral feeding. Nurses play a central role in the early detection and management of OFD in neonatal intensive care, yet their knowledge, attitudes, and practices in this domain remain insufficiently documented, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of nurses regarding oral feeding disorders in preterm newborns at the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units of CHU Mohammed VI, Agadir, Morocco.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study with an analytical aim was conducted over a two-week period (23 March–6 April 2026) using a non-probability, exhaustive (census) sampling of all eligible nurses (n = 50) meeting inclusion criteria (≥3 months' seniority). Data were collected via a structured, self-administered, anonymous questionnaire covering socio-professional characteristics, theoretical knowledge, nursing practices, and institutional environment and analyzed using Jamovi 2.7.24 (Chi², Kruskal–Wallis, Spearman correlation).

Results: The sample was predominantly female (86.0%) and inexperienced (77.6% with <1 year of seniority); of them, 70.0% had received no specific OFD training. Theoretical knowledge of core concepts was high (94–100% correct on key items), yet the composite knowledge score averaged only 63.4% (9.51/15), and self-assessed competence in detecting OFD was the weakest skill (2.86/5). Sensory and parent-centered practices were unevenly adopted: skin-to-skin care (95.8%) and oral stimulation (92.0%) were widespread, while colostrum administration (28.6%) and parental participation in care (46.0%) remained minority practices. Only 26.5% of nurses reported the existence of a formal institutional protocol for OFD management, though 94.0% expressed a wish for further training. A significant correlation was found between protocol availability and knowledge score (Spearman ρ = 0.558, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Despite a solid theoretical foundation, nurses show notable gaps in applied competence and practice, largely attributable to the absence of standardized institutional protocols. Structured, competency-based training and protocol formalization are identified as priority levers to improve the detection and management of oral feeding disorders in preterm infants.