Factors influencing stress among mothers of preterm infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive careunit

Abstract

Giving preterm birth can cause stress to mothers especially if the baby is admitted in neonatal intensive care unit [NICU]. This study aimed to examine levels of stress and identify influencing factors of maternal stress which included nursing support, preterm birth weight, delivery type, and experiences of having premature birth. A convenience sample of 90 mothers with preterm infants hospitalized in NICU, Roi-Et Regional hospital, was recruited in this study. Data was collected during March to May, 2018. Research instruments included a personal information form, a medical record form, the nurse parent support tool, and parental stressor scale: neonatal intensive care unit. Descriptive statistics and standard multiple regression analysis were used to analyze data.

Results showed the mean score of overall maternal stress was 69.12(SD = 11.57), where 68 % of the mothers reported high levels of stress. Preterm birth weight and emergency caesarean section were significantly influencing maternal stress (R2 = .442, p < .001). In addition, preterm birth weight was the strongest influencing factor of maternal stress in this sample (β = -0.61, p < .001), followed by emergency caesarean section (β = .27, p < .05).

Mothers have several stressful perceptions when in NICU with their premature infant. NICU nurses can discourse these concerns and emotional states with empathetic information skills and being mindful of the importance of involving the mothers as much as possible in their preterm care.

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