Effect of an Educational Program on the Stress level Among Mothers of Neonates Hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Background: Mothers encounter significant psychological distress resulting from the premature birth of their infants, coupled with the need of hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which necessitates prolonged separation from their familial support systems. Aim: to assess the effect of an educational program on the stress level among mothers of neonates hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was undertaken involving 44 mothers of neonates who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) at the Children's Hospital and the Maternity & Gynecological Hospital. Researchers used maternal stress scale. Results: Mean score of studied mothers related Sights and sounds domain at preintervention was 24.97 (5.32), while decrease to 15.23 (3.60) postintervention. Also, according to looks and behavior domain mean score was 23.04 (3.90) preintervention, while decrease to 13.61 (2.76) post intervention. Additionally, according to Parental role alteration domain mean score was 26.82 (4.10) preintervention, while decrease to 16.70 (2.34) post intervention. Conclusion: Less than fifty percent of the mothers analyzed exhibited elevated levels of stress prior to the intervention, with approximately one-third demonstrating moderate stress levels. Conversely, following the intervention, less than two-thirds of the participants reported low stress levels, while over one-quarter indicated moderate stress levels. Furthermore, an educational intervention has been demonstrated to reduce maternal stress across various domains, including the auditory and visual realms, the observational and behavioral dimensions, the modifications in parental roles, as well as the overall stress levels experienced by mothers. Recommendations: The formulation of an educational framework aimed at mothers of preterm neonates who have been admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit is essential. It is imperative to furnish parents with psychological empowerment training initiatives designed to facilitate the adoption of proactive coping methodologies to navigate adversities during periods of crisis.