๐ Q1 - Feeding Predictors
Research Question Overview¶
Research Question A: What are the predictors to first oral feeding?¶
Primary Outcome Variables: - PMA at first oral feeding (weeks) - Time to first oral feeding (days from birth)
Analysis Approach:
This synthesis draws from Reports 06a-06c which examined predictors using:
- Correlation analysis for continuous predictors
- T-tests and ANOVA for categorical predictors
- Effect size documentation (Cohen's d, eta squared)
- Statistical significance testing with multiple comparison adjustments
Clinical Relevance: Understanding predictors of feeding readiness can inform clinical decision-making and help identify infants who may benefit from earlier or later feeding initiation. This analysis provides evidence for factors that influence the timing of first oral feeding attempts.
Key Predictors Summary¶
Statistical Analysis Results¶
Continuous Predictors¶
gestational_age_weeks (r = -0.873, p = 0.000, n = 228) - Large negative association with feeding timing
birth_weight_grams (r = -0.823, p = 0.000, n = 228) - Large negative association with feeding timing
Categorical Predictors¶
medicalcomplexity (F = 2.858, p = 0.059, ฮทยฒ = 0.000) - Small effect size for group differences
baby_sex (t = 0.528, p = 0.598, d = 0.000) - Mean difference: 1.5 days - Small effect size indicates meaningful group difference
race_ethnicity (F = 0.695, p = 0.500, ฮทยฒ = 0.000) - Small effect size for group differences
mechanical_ventilation (t = -9.162, p = 0.000, d = 0.000) - Mean difference: -21.6 days - Small effect size indicates meaningful group difference
o2_device_at_36_weeks (t = -7.218, p = 0.000, d = 0.000) - Mean difference: -20.1 days - Small effect size indicates meaningful group difference
multiple_births (t = 2.358, p = 0.019, d = 0.000) - Mean difference: 6.9 days - Small effect size indicates meaningful group difference
public_insurance (t = -1.172, p = 0.242, d = 0.000) - Mean difference: -3.2 days - Small effect size indicates meaningful group difference
Sample Characteristics¶
Sample Summary Statistics¶
Primary Outcome: Time to First Oral Feeding (days) - n = 228 - Mean = 40.9 days - Median = 38.2 days - SD = 20.5 - Range = 1.3 - 108.3 days
Predictor Variable Summary: - gestational_age_weeks: 228/228 (100.0% complete) - birth_weight_grams: 228/228 (100.0% complete) - medicalcomplexity: 228/228 (100.0% complete) - baby_sex: 228/228 (100.0% complete) - race_ethnicity: 228/228 (100.0% complete) - mechanical_ventilation: 228/228 (100.0% complete) - o2_device_at_36_weeks: 228/228 (100.0% complete) - multiple_births: 228/228 (100.0% complete) - public_insurance: 228/228 (100.0% complete)
Statistical Summary¶
Statistical Evidence Summary¶
Predictor Analysis Results¶
- Continuous predictors tested: 2
- Significant continuous predictors: 2
- Categorical predictors tested: 7
- Significant categorical predictors: 3
- Sample size: n = 228 subjects
Highest correlation coefficient: gestational_age_weeks (r = -0.873) Largest effect size: mechanical_ventilation (effect size = 0.000)
Clinical Implications¶
Strong evidence base: Multiple significant predictors identified provide reliable foundation for clinical decision-making. Continuous factors: Dose-response relationships suggest gradual rather than threshold effects. Categorical factors: Clear group differences indicate distinct risk profiles requiring different approaches. Clinical utility: These predictors can help identify high-risk infants and optimize feeding timing protocols.