The effect of a training program on maternal role adaptation and self-esteem of mothers with preterm infants: a quasi-experimental study

The effect of participation education on maternal role adaptation in mothers with premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

The birth of a premature infant, hospitalization, and separation from the family cause disruption on maternal role adaption. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of participation education on maternal role adaption in mothers of premature infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This semiexperimental study was conducted with the participation of 129 eligible mothers with premature infants into three groups of 43 (face-to-face education, virtual education, and control). Data collection was done using a checklist measuring adaptation to the maternal role. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistical and multiple linear regression tests at a significance level of P < 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean age of mothers was 30.8 years, the mean gestational age of infants was 31.7 weeks, the mean birth weight was 1781.4 g, and the most common (84.5%) reason for hospitalization of infants was respiratory distress. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the total score of maternal role adaptation at the time of discharge was significantly different in the two groups of virtual education (134.362 ± 0.925) (P < 0.001) and face-to-face education (132.421 ± 0.928) (P = 0.005) with the control group (128.286 ± 0.924).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of educational programs is a suitable solution to improve maternal role adaption. Therefore, it is recommended that managers and healthcare planners consider codified and regular educational programs in order to increase the ability of mothers, in order to adapt to the maternal role.

The effect of empowerment counseling on stress and self-esteem of mothers with hospitalized premature infants

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the effect of counselling on stress and self-esteem of mothers with hospitalized premature infants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted on 80 primigravida mothers aged 18-40 years, gestational age of 28-34 weeks in 2021 in Iran. The women were randomly assigned to two groups by blocked randomization. The data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire, Paternal Stress Scale and Rosenberg self-esteem questionnaire. Individual counselling based on the GATHER model was carried out within two consecutive weeks in four sessions. Data were analyzed with SPSS 24.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the two groups in demographic variables, stress, and self-esteem before the intervention (P>0.05). There was a substantial difference in the mean score of self - esteem 9.52±3.22 and 16.75±6.39 (P<0.001), stress 154.65±32.15and 61±10.98 (P<0.001) and different dimensions of stress between the control and intervention groups after the intervention. The most significant reduction occurred in the dimension of appearance and behaviour of the infant (cohen d=3.146).

CONCLUSIONS

The results show counselling with an empowerment approach based on the GATHER model is effective in reducing stress and increasing self-esteem of mothers of premature infants admitted to the intensive care unit.

Transdiagnostic therapy compared to progressive muscle relaxation on the emotional health of mothers with premature infants: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of transdiagnostic therapy compared to progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on emotion regulation strategies, self-compassion, maternal role adaptation, and social and work adjustment in mothers of premature infants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial with two groups and pre-test, post-test, and a two-month follow-up assessment. Included were 27 mothers randomly assigned to either the transdiagnostic therapy group or the PMR group (13 in the transdiagnostic group and 14 in the PMR group). The experimental group received eight sessions of transdiagnostic therapy while the control group received eight sessions of PMR. The participants completed the following scales: Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Self-Compassion Scale, Maternal Role Adaptation Scale, and Work and Social Adjustment Scale.

RESULTS

Transdiagnostic therapy was significantly more effective than PMR in improving emotion regulation strategies, self-compassion, maternal role adaptation, and social and work adjustment based on the between-group comparison conducted at post-test and follow-up (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Transdiagnostic therapy was shown to be effective in improving the emotional health of mothers with premature infants and was more effective than PMR techniques.