1
|
Nambile Cumber S, Williams A, Elden H, Bogren M. Fathers' involvement in pregnancy and childbirth in Africa: an integrative systematic review. Glob Health Action 2024; 17:2372906. [PMID: 38993149 PMCID: PMC11249146 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2024.2372906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As notions of masculinity evolve globally, it is important to understand their dimensions within geographic regions and life contexts. African men's involvement in their partners'pregnancy and childbirth has been explored to a limited extent in the peer-reviewed literature. This analysis provides a comprehensive examination of the existing literature on the diverse experiences of fathers across the African continent. AIM This study aims to provide an overview of fathers' experience of involvement in their partners' pregnancies andchildbirth in Africa. METHODS A systematic integrative literature review guided the process. The review comprised problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis and presentation of results. Systematic searches were conducted in the Cinahl, PubMed and Scopus databases. RESULTS The search identified 70 articles of which 31, relating to 11 African countries, were used. Of these, 20 were qualitative, 9 were quantitative and 2 were mixed-methods studies. Men's alienation from health services, and traditional gender norms that discourage fathers' supportive role during pregnancy were prevalent themes. Financial pressures also dominated fathers'experiences. At the same time, in 18 studies fathers expressed motivation to be involved partners and supportive fathers, despite stigma and exclusion from maternity services. CONCLUSION This integrative review shows that fathers' experiences of their involvement in their partners' pregnancy and childbirth across African countries are influenced by multiple factors. While unwelcoming health services, traditional gender norms, and low income are barriers to male involvement, education, younger age, and modern gender norms are associated with greater male involvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Nambile Cumber
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Helen Elden
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Bogren
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pavlyshyn Н, Sarapuk I, Saturska U. Maternal Stress Experience in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after Preterm Delivery. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:1155-1162. [PMID: 36029767 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1747942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Preterm delivery with the admission of a child in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is extremely challenging for parents. Being separated from the baby and seeing her infant feeling pain and being sick together with the complexity of the NICU environment, the mother experiences great anxiety, fear, and stress. The purpose of the study was to assess NICU-related stress and to identify maternal and infant factors associated with increased stress in mothers of preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN The maternal stress level was assessed in 122 mothers of preterm infants using the Parental Stressor Scale: NICU (PSS: NICU) in which items were distributed in three subscales as follows: Sights and Sounds of NICU-subscale 1 (S1), Infant Appearance and Behavior-S2, and Parental Role Alteration-S3. RESULTS Maternal total PSS: NICU score was 3.46 ± 0.71. Parenteral Role Alteration was the most stressful (4.20 ± 0.79) followed by Infant Appearance and Behavior (3.51 ± 0.91) and Sights and Sounds subscale (2.28 ± 0.95); p (S1-S2) < 0.001, p (S1-S3) < 0.001, and p (S2-S3) < 0.001. Total PSS: NICU and Infant Appearance and Behavior scores correlated positively with maternal age (r = 0.189; p = 0.040 and r = 0.204; p = 0.027, respectively) and duration of NICU treatment (r = 0.188; p = 0.044 and r = 0.190; p = 0.042). More visits in NICU by a mother were associated with a lower PSS: NICU score (p = 0.049) and neonatal seizures and invasive ventilation in infants were associated with higher stress scores (p = 0.007 and p = 0.042). CONCLUSION Mothers of preterm infants admitted in the NICU experience significant stress which is correlated with maternal age and NICU treatment duration and is associated with frequency of NICU visits, presence of neonatal seizures, and need for ventilator support. Parental role alteration is the greatest stressor followed by Infant Appearance and Behavior and NICU-surrounding stressor factors which show the need for interventions and counseling focused on mothers' role, their involvement in infant's care, and thus, family-centered care implementation. KEY POINTS · Mothers of preterm infants experience significant stress.. · Parental role alteration is the greatest maternal stressor.. · Maternal stress is correlated with age and NICU duration, and is associated with the frequency of NICU visits and infant's health status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Нalyna Pavlyshyn
- Department of Pediatrics No 2, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Iryna Sarapuk
- Department of Pediatrics No 2, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Uliana Saturska
- Department of Pediatrics No 2, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Merritt L, Verklan MT. A Feasibility Study to Test the NICU Paternal Needs Inventory. Adv Neonatal Care 2024; 24:86-93. [PMID: 38096431 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000001121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been little research exploring paternal needs while experiencing a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay. Some tools exist to measure paternal needs, but do not incorporate items to capture important information about how fathers cope with stress differently, and may have different needs. Therefore, an instrument is needed to measure and prioritize what needs are important to fathers to help facilitate the development of nursing interventions to help fathers cope with the NICU environment. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to conduct a feasibility study before large-scale pilot testing the instrument, the NICU Paternal Needs Inventory (NPNI), so we could then determine what are the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of fathers. METHODS A nonexperimental, quantitative, and descriptive design was used to address the study's aims. Fathers were recruited from a level IV NICU and asked to complete an online survey (consisting of a demographic survey and the NPNI). RESULTS Needs rated 100% were knowing infant's progress, directions on caring for infant, flexible visitation, and assurance receiving the best care. The remainder showed a wide range of responses suggesting that needs of fathers are individual and varied. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH Use of the NPNI to evaluate a father's unique and individual needs would allow for the nurse to develop father-specific, individualized interventions. Findings support that the NPNI is feasible to accomplish measuring fathers' needs, but a larger study is needed to test the reliability and validity of this tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Merritt
- Quinnipiac University, North Haven, Connecticut (Dr Merritt); Texas Woman's University, Dallas (Dr Merritt); and The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston (Dr Verklan)
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses need a better understanding of fathers' needs and perceptions in order to provide more family holistic care. Previous research aimed at exploring fathers' experiences in the NICU resulted in identifying some needs; however, these studies mostly occurred outside the United States where practices may differ. Therefore, research is needed to explore NICU fathers' needs within the United States. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to explore the needs of fathers who previously had a premature infant in the NICU. METHODS This qualitative descriptive study used semistructured interviews collected to obtain in-depth knowl-edge of fathers' needs in the NICU. Twenty-eight fathers were recruited through 3 parent support organizations: Hand to Hold, NICU Parent Support Network, and March of Dimes. RESULTS Results revealed 3 themes: need for support, clarity and to be recognized. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Fathers have specific needs in the NICU that need to be addressed and that may differ from mothers. Awareness of addressing fathers' needs promotes more holistic care to fathers, supports coping within the NICU environment and the multifaceted impact of the experience, and helps them engage in the care of their infant. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Further research is needed to explore the needs of fathers from diverse backgrounds and those who perceive to be or are less involved in their infant's care as well as their experiences and needs related to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Comparative research is also needed to identify differences between mothers' and fathers' needs in order to determine interventions that promoting more holistic, family-centered care.
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental support in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is critical; yet, the nursing staff may struggle to provide optimal support to NICU fathers. Generally, fathers are not viewed as equally competent caregivers when compared with mothers, and fathers often impart these beliefs on themselves. Increasing the nursing staff's knowledge and understanding of paternal support can change attitudes and foster positive behavior changes, enhancing the perception of support received by NICU fathers. PURPOSE To implement a needs assessment and educational intervention for the nursing staff designed to increase the perception of nursing support received by NICU fathers. METHODS The Nurse Parents Support Tool (NPST) was administered to the clinical nursing staff and fathers in a pre/posttest design comparing support given by nurses with the fathers' perception of received support. Data from the preintervention assessment was used to design an educational intervention on improving fathers' support. Following the intervention, a postintervention NPST was administered to fathers to determine whether there was an improvement in support perception. FINDINGS/RESULTS Improvement in the NICU fathers' perception of nursing staff support was noted between father groups. In addition, the NPST can be used to assess paternal support needs and develop staff education. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Support provided to NICU fathers can enhance the father's perception of himself as an equal and competent caregiver, leading to improved father-infant bonding as the child ages. Educational interventions targeting father support should be a routine part of nursing staff training. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Future research should examine the long-term effects of early paternal support on psychosocial, cognitive, and developmental outcomes of NICU infants.
Collapse
|
6
|
Ceylan SS, Keskin Z, Yavaş Z, Özdemir H, Tosun G, Güner E, İzci A. Developing the Scale of Parental Participation in Care: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Examining the Scale's Psychometric Properties. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2021; 65:103037. [PMID: 33773901 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2021.103037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to develop the Scale of Parental Participation in Care: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and to examine the Scale's psychometric properties. METHODS The draft scale' items were created through relevant literature reviews, focus group interviews with nurses, and content validity evaluations by experts. Study data were collected in the neonatal intensive care unit of a public hospital in Turkey from June 2019 to February 2020. The study participants were comprised of 205 parents with an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit. The Scale's content validity and construct validity were evaluated to determine the validity of the scale. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, item-total score correlations, and intraclass correlation were calculated to evaluate the Scale's reliability. RESULTS Content validity index values of the draft form of the scale ranged from 0.93 to 1.00. The final scale consisted of 18 items. From the exploratory factor analysis, it was found that the scale structure comprised a single factor that accounted for 51.92% of the total variance. Concerning the reliability of the Scale, it was calculated that Cronbach's alpha level was 0.93; item total correlations ranged from 0.48 to 0.78; intraclass correlation level was 1.000. CONCLUSION It was found that the Parental Participation in Care Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was valid and reliable in this sample.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sibel Serap Ceylan
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Pamukkale University Faculty of Health Sciences, Denizli, Turkey.
| | - Züleyha Keskin
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Denizli State Hospital, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Zekiye Yavaş
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Pamukkale University Faculty of Health Sciences, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Hilal Özdemir
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Pamukkale University Faculty of Health Sciences, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Gülseren Tosun
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Pamukkale University Faculty of Health Sciences, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Elmas Güner
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Pamukkale University Faculty of Health Sciences, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Aysun İzci
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Pamukkale University Faculty of Health Sciences, Denizli, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cajiao-Nieto J, Torres-Giménez A, Merelles-Tormo A, Botet-Mussons F. Paternal symptoms of anxiety and depression in the first month after childbirth: A comparison between fathers of full term and preterm infants. J Affect Disord 2021; 282:517-526. [PMID: 33433381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although men have a higher risk of developing a mental disorder during the perinatal period, few studies have focused on new fathers' mental health screening. This study compares anxiety and depression symptoms between fathers with newborn infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and fathers of healthy full-term infants, assessing the impact of stress caused by the NICU.. METHODS A longitudinal and prospective study with control (n= 33) and study groups (n=51) was designed. The dependent variables assessed were post-natal depression and anxiety-state while the social and demographic information, health background and the parental stress in the neonatal unit were the independent variables. The fathers were assessed twice during the first month after birth. RESULTS Significant differences in the EPDS scores were found between both groups in the first assessment (p = .006) but not in the second assessment (p = .60). Significant differences in STAI scores were found between the groups for both assessments (p = .003 and p = .002). The stress caused by the infant's appearance and behavior was predictive of depression and anxiety in the study group. LIMITATIONS The sample was collected at one hospital, immigrants were underrepresented, and no prenatal assessment of paternal mental health is available. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the hospitalization of newborn infants increases the risk of developing anxiety or depression disorder in fathers. Health providers should be aware of the emotional changes in men shortly after childbirth and include them in the screening of and support for mental health disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Torres-Giménez
- Perinatal Mental Health Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Psychology, Universitat de Barcelona. Spain
| | | | - Francesc Botet-Mussons
- Institute Clinic of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine. Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Needs of Socioeconomically Diverse Fathers of Premature Hospitalized Infants: A Multicenter Study. Adv Neonatal Care 2021; 21:E11-E22. [PMID: 32769372 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000000767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To effectively practice true family-centered care (FCC) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting, a nurse needs to understand the perceptions and concerns of all fathers. Although research is emerging on fathers' perceptions and experiences, the samples of fathers represented are not from diverse socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic populations, which limit the findings' generalizability. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the needs of NICU fathers and whether these needs differed based on sociodemographic factors. METHODS A quantitative, comparative, descriptive design was used to determine the needs of NICU fathers. Additional analysis was conducted to determine whether the needs differed based on education, income, and gestational age, whether the father preferred speaking English or Spanish, and whether these sociodemographic factors could predict needs. To determine sociodemographic factors and needs, a demographic questionnaire and the NICU Family Needs Inventory were administered to 99 fathers in 6 level III NICUs. RESULTS Data were analyzed using independent sample t test, 1-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression. The results showed that fathers reported a broad span of needs and fathers from disadvantaged populations may have greater needs in certain areas. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE These results emphasize the importance of the nurses' role in assessing the needs of NICU fathers. By understanding fathers' needs, nurses can provide individualized FCC to fathers to help them be more involved in the care and support of their infant. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Further research is needed to support these findings and test interventions that promote communication between providers and fathers.
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Having a child admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is traumatic for both parents, but mothers and fathers may have different experiences, and thus, different needs. The purpose of this integrative review was to identify the needs of fathers of premature infants. A systematic review of 7 databases was conducted, and studies were evaluated by the Critical Appraisal Programme checklist. To provide structure for searching and reporting findings, the Whittemore and Knafle interpretive methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology were used. A total of 19 articles were identified. The resulting themes included: need to be close to infant and involved in infant's care; need for information; need for a better NICU environment; need for emotional support; and need for a relationship with the NICU staff.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Merritt
- College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Dallas
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fróes GF, Mendes ENW, Pedroza GDA, Cunha MLCD. Stress experienced by mothers of preterm newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 41:e20190145. [PMID: 31800799 DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2020.20190145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the stress level of mothers of preterm infants with gestational age ≤34 weeks, hospitalized in neonatal intensive care. METHOD A cross-sectional study with 74 mothers of premature infants in neonatal intensive care, who answered the "Parental Stress Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit" instrument, validated in Brazil. RESULTS The mean stress level was 4.41 (± 0.77) and the general stress level was 4.36 (± 0.76), with a significant difference (p <0.001) between the subscale "Alteration in parental roles" and other subscales, meaning that mothers were in a very stressful situation. CONCLUSION All items in the subscale "Alteration in parental roles" of the "Parental Stress Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit" were identified as the main source of stress experienced by mothers. This study suggests carrying out further studies with other methodologies to increase the knowledge of maternal stress in the national context, applying care interventions involving the parents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graciela Feier Fróes
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Escola de Enfermagem, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.,Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Eliane Norma Wagner Mendes
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Escola de Enfermagem, Curso de Graduação em Enfermagem. Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Géssica de Almeida Pedroza
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Escola de Enfermagem, Curso de Graduação em Enfermagem. Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Maria Luzia Chollopetz da Cunha
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Escola de Enfermagem, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The validity and reliability study of Turkish version of the fathers’ support scale: Neonatal intensive care unit. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2019; 50:125-130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
12
|
Koliouli F, Zaouche Gaudron C. Healthcare professionals in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Source of social support to fathers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnn.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
13
|
Kardaş Özdemir F, Küçük Alemdar D. Supporting of the Fathers to Visit Their Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Decreases Their Stress Level: A Pretest-Posttest Quasi-Experimental Study. Community Ment Health J 2017; 53:490-495. [PMID: 27896502 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-016-0066-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
It is known that fathers whose infants are hospitalized in NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Units) are severely stressed. This study was conducted for the purpose of determining the effect of supporting and visiting infants in NICUs on stress levels of Turkish fathers. This was a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study. The population of the study consisted of 47 fathers who had their infants receiving treatment in NICU at a state hospital in the eastern Turkey and agreed to participate in the study. The data were collected by using "Father-Infant Introductory Information Form" and "Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, PSS:NICU". When comparing the PSS:NICU total mean scores of the fathers before and after interventions; it was determined that their mean scores were higher before visits compared to those obtained after interventions and the difference between them was significant at advanced level. It was found that the fathers visiting and supporting their infants in NICUs had the decreased stress levels. It is a useful nursing intervention to support fathers to visit their babies in NICUs and establish environments where they could spend time with their babies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Funda Kardaş Özdemir
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
| | - Dilek Küçük Alemdar
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Giresun University, 28340, Piraziz-Giresun, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
De D, Mukherjee A, Sau A, Bhakta I. Design of smart neonatal health monitoring system using SMCC. Healthc Technol Lett 2017; 4:13-19. [PMID: 28261491 DOI: 10.1049/htl.2016.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Automated health monitoring and alert system development is a demanding research area today. Most of the currently available monitoring and controlling medical devices are wired which limits freeness of working environment. Wireless sensor network (WSN) is a better alternative in such an environment. Neonatal intensive care unit is used to take care of sick and premature neonates. Hypothermia is an independent risk factor for neonatal mortality and morbidity. To prevent it an automated monitoring system is required. In this Letter, an automated neonatal health monitoring system is designed using sensor mobile cloud computing (SMCC). SMCC is based on WSN and MCC. In the authors' system temperature sensor, acceleration sensor and heart rate measurement sensor are used to monitor body temperature, acceleration due to body movement and heart rate of neonates. The sensor data are stored inside the cloud. The health person continuously monitors and accesses these data through the mobile device using an Android Application for neonatal monitoring. When an abnormal situation arises, an alert is generated in the mobile device of the health person. By alerting health professional using such an automated system, early care is provided to the affected babies and the probability of recovery is increased.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debashis De
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, West Bengal University of Technology, BF142, Sector-I, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700 064, West Bengal, India; Department of Physics, University of Western Australia, Perth, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley 6009 WA, Australia
| | - Anwesha Mukherjee
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering , West Bengal University of Technology , BF142, Sector-I, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700 064, West Bengal , India
| | - Arkaprabha Sau
- Medical Division, Port Hospital, Haldia Dock Complex, Kolkata Port Trust, West Bengal 721 607, India; Department of Community Medicine, R.G. Kar Medical Collage and Hospital, Kolkata 700 004, West Bengal, India
| | - Ishita Bhakta
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering , West Bengal University of Technology , BF142, Sector-I, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700 064, West Bengal , India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
|