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Bua J, Dalena P, Mariani I, Girardelli M, Ermacora M, Manzon U, Plet S, Travan L, Lazzerini M. Parental stress, depression, anxiety and participation in care in neonatal intensive care unit: a cross-sectional study in Italy comparing mothers versus fathers. BMJ Paediatr Open 2024; 8:e002429. [PMID: 38589039 PMCID: PMC11002394 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-002429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed at documenting the levels of stress, depression, anxiety and participation in care among mothers versus fathers of newborns hospitalised in a third-level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Northern Italy. METHODS Parental stress, depression and anxiety were assessed by the Parental Stressor Scale in NICU (PSS:NICU), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Participation in care was evaluated with the Index of Parental Participation. Differences between mothers and fathers were assessed with the Mood's median test and z-test, respectively for continuous and discrete variables. Multivariate analyses controlling for potential confounders were performed to confirm gender differences. RESULTS 191 parents (112 mothers and 79 fathers) were enrolled. Mothers reported significantly higher median scores for stress (2.9 vs 2.2, p<0.001) and trait anxiety (37 vs 32, p=0.004) and higher depression rates (EPDS ≥12: 43.8% vs 19.0%, p<0.001). 'High stress' (PSS:NICU ≥3) was reported by 45.5% of mothers compared with 24.1% of fathers (p=0.004). The frequency of the three conditions simultaneously was significantly higher among mothers (20.0% vs 3.8%, p=0.016), with the vast majority of mothers (76.0%) suffering from at least one condition compared with less than half of fathers (45.3%, p<0.001). Participation in care was more frequent in mothers (median score: 19 vs 15, p<0.001), with the exception of activities related to advocacy (median 5 vs 4, p=0.053). In a multivariate analysis, gender differences in mental health outcomes did not change. CONCLUSIONS Routine screening of mental distress among parents of infants in NICU is warranted, and gender differences need to be acknowledged in order to deliver tailored support and to promote collaboration with the family of vulnerable newborns. Knowledge and skills on how to prevent and cope with mental distress of parents should be part of the core curriculum of staff working in NICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Bua
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS 'Burlo Garofolo', Trieste, Italy
| | - Paolo Dalena
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS 'Burlo Garofolo', Trieste, Italy
- University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ilaria Mariani
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS 'Burlo Garofolo', Trieste, Italy
| | - Martina Girardelli
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS 'Burlo Garofolo', Trieste, Italy
| | - Maddalena Ermacora
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS 'Burlo Garofolo', Trieste, Italy
| | - Ursula Manzon
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS 'Burlo Garofolo', Trieste, Italy
| | - Sabrina Plet
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS 'Burlo Garofolo', Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Travan
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS 'Burlo Garofolo', Trieste, Italy
| | - Marzia Lazzerini
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS 'Burlo Garofolo', Trieste, Italy
- Maternal Adolescent Reproductive and Child Health Care Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Faculty of Epidemiology and Public Health, London, UK
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Kobus S, Kleinbeck T, Ader M, Dewan MV, Dathe AK, Feddahi N, Felderhoff-Mueser U, Bruns N. COMFORTneo scale in preterm infants during live performed music therapy-Difference between close physical contact and hand touch contact. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1359769. [PMID: 38606306 PMCID: PMC11008230 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1359769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that music therapy combined with physical contact to parents stabilizes the vital signs of hospitalized preterm infants. Yet, there is no evidence for the difference between simple contact by touching the infant in the incubator or cod, or close physical contact during music therapy sessions (MT). Behavioral effects of the various forms of attention toward the infant during therapy need to be elucidated. Our study aimed to quantify the effects of hand touch contact (HTC) and close physical contact (CPC) during live performed MT in preterm infants regardless of gestational age on behavioral state (assessed via COMFORTneo scale) and vital signs. A maximum of ten live music therapy sessions were delivered three to four times a week until hospital discharge to 50 stable infants. Pre-, during- and post-therapy heart rates, respiratory rates, oxygen saturations and COMFORTneo scores were recorded for each session. A total of 486 sessions was performed with 243 sessions using HTC and CPC each. The mean gestational age was 33 + 3 weeks, with 27 (54%) infants being male. We observed lower COMFORTneo scores, heart and respiratory rates and higher oxygen saturation during and after live performed music therapy independent of the kind of physical contact than before therapy. While pre-therapy values were better in the CPC group for all four variables, a higher mean response on COMFORTneo scale and vital signs was observed for HTC (COMFORTneo score -5.5, heart rate -12.4 beats per min., respiratory rate -8.9 breaths per min, oxygen saturation + 1.5%) compared to CPC (COMFORTneo score -4.6, heart rate -9.6 beats per min., respiratory rate -7.0 breaths per min, oxygen saturation + 1.1%). Nonetheless, post-therapy values were better for all four measures in the CPC group. Regression modeling with correction for individual responses within each patient also yielded attenuated effects of MT in the CPC group compared to HTC, likely caused by the improved pre-therapy values. Live performed music therapy benefits preterm infants' vital signs and behavioral state. During CPC with a parent, the absolute therapeutic effect is attenuated but resulting post-therapy values are nonetheless better for both the COMFORTneo scale and vital signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Kobus
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, C-TNBS, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center of Artistic Therapy, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tim Kleinbeck
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, C-TNBS, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Miriam Ader
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, C-TNBS, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Monia Vanessa Dewan
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, C-TNBS, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anne-Kathrin Dathe
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, C-TNBS, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Health and Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Ernst-Abbe-University of Applied Sciences, Jena, Germany
| | - Nadia Feddahi
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, C-TNBS, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ursula Felderhoff-Mueser
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, C-TNBS, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nora Bruns
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, C-TNBS, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Ettenberger M, Bieleninik Ł, Stordal AS, Ghetti C. The effect of paternal anxiety on mother-infant bonding in neonatal intensive care. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:55. [PMID: 38212696 PMCID: PMC10782755 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06179-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hospitalization of a preterm infant in the NICU can lead to mental health difficulties in parents, but not much is known how paternal anxiety might affect the mother-infant relationship. METHODS This prospective cohort study is a secondary analysis investigating how paternal anxiety levels might affect maternal bonding in the NICU using the dataset of the multinational pragmatic randomized controlled trial LongSTEP. A linear mixed-effects model was used for correlations of paternal anxiety (GAD-7) and maternal bonding (PBQ) at NICU discharge, and at 6 and 12 months infant corrected age. Secondary analyses examined effects on paternal anxiety related to: site (Argentina, Colombia, Israel, Norway, and Poland), maternal depression (EPDS), infant gestational age at birth, paternal age, and type of pregnancy. RESULTS Paternal anxiety did not predict maternal bonding at NICU discharge (p = 0.096), at 6 months (p = 0.316), or at 12 months infant corrected age (p = 0.473). Secondary outcomes showed a statistically significant site effect, with higher paternal anxiety levels at the two Colombian sites at baseline (p = 0.014 and p = 0.020) and for one site at discharge (p = 0.012), but not for paternal age (p = 0.925 and p = 0.793), infant gestational age at birth (p = 0.974 and p = 0.686 and p = 0.340), or type of pregnancy (p = 0.381). Maternal depression predicted paternal anxiety at baseline (p < 0.001) and at discharge (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS In this study, paternal anxiety did not predict maternal bonding. Paternal anxiety varied by site, indicating a need for research on potential cultural differences in manifestation of paternal anxiety. Maternal depression predicted paternal anxiety, confirming a previously reported correlation. Further research on variations in paternal mental health in the neonatal period is warranted, as well as exploration of the social contagion of mental health in preterm parents. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03564184.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Ettenberger
- Music Therapy Service, Department of Social Management, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
- Music Therapy Service, Clínica de la Mujer, Bogotá, Colombia
- SONO - Centro de Musicoterapia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Łucja Bieleninik
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- GAMUT - The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Bergen, Norway
- Institute of Pedagogy and Languages, University of Applied Sciences, Elbląg, Poland
| | - Andreas Størksen Stordal
- NORCE Technology, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Mathematics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Claire Ghetti
- GAMUT - The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Bergen, Norway.
- Dept. of Music, GAMUT - The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre, The Grieg Academy, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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Huang L, Zhao BY, Li XT, Huang SX, Chen TT, Cheng X, Li SJ, Li H, Hu RF. Effects of an online family-focused parenting support intervention on preterm infants' physical development and parents' sense of competence and care ability: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Nurs Stud 2024; 149:104625. [PMID: 37952471 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104625] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parenting of preterm infants presents unique challenges, particularly during their transition from hospital to home. Early discharge programs can assist parents during this critical period. However, the feasibility of delivering a family-focused online discharge program remains understudied. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to investigate the impact of a family-focused online parenting support intervention on parents' sense of competence, depression, caregiving, social support, family functioning, and the weight and length of preterm infants. METHODS We conducted a single-blind, two-arm randomized controlled trial with a repeated-measures design. Participants were recruited from a specialized tertiary hospital in China between May and December 2022. Forty-five families were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 44 to the control group. The intervention included three components: (1) two one-hour group sessions and three 30-minute individual sessions of online parenting support; (2) two follow-up telephone calls (15-30 min each) post-discharge; and (3) access to online parenting resources. Primary outcomes included parenting sense of competence, parental care ability, and preterm infants' weight and length. Secondary outcomes included depression, social support, and family functioning. Measurements were taken at baseline, preterm infant discharge, one month post-discharge, and three months post-discharge. A generalized estimating equation model was employed based on the intention-to-treat principle for outcome comparison. RESULTS Parents in the intervention group showed significant improvements in parenting sense of competence (P < 0.001), parental care ability (P < 0.001), depression (P < 0.001), and social support (P = 0.002). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in preterm infants' weight and length, or in family functioning (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Although the intervention did not affect preterm infants' outcomes, the positive enhancements in parenting sense of competence, care ability, depression, and social support indicate that online family-focused parenting support can effectively prepare parents for hospital discharge and the early transition period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Huang
- The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bing-Yue Zhao
- The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Li
- The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shui-Xiu Huang
- The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ting-Ting Chen
- The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiao Cheng
- The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Si-Jia Li
- The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hao Li
- The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Rong-Fang Hu
- The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
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Marie A, Clabaut L, Corbeil M, Vanlerberghe C, Vincent-Delorme C, Le Driant B. Parenting stress and needs for social support in mothers and fathers of deaf or hard of hearing children. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1229420. [PMID: 37720653 PMCID: PMC10499620 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1229420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hearing parents of deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) children may experience parenting stress and social support could be a buffer to this stress. Differences in levels of these two indicators may exist between mothers and fathers. This study focuses on the parenting stress and social support needs of mothers and fathers of DHH children. Methods Twenty-seven French parental couples of DHH children completed the Parenting Stress Index and the Family Needs Survey, a questionnaire on social support needs. Results Their overall stress scores showed no difference, but subdomain scores show that mothers and fathers are more stressed by the child's hyperactivity, and fathers by the child's adaptability, than parents of children with normal hearing. Mothers are more stressed than fathers by role restriction; they feel less free because of their parenting role. Fathers have a lower quality of attachment to their child than mothers. Parents have a high social support need, especially for obtaining information about their child's individual characteristics and health situation. The ranking of mothers and fathers in the top 10 needs reveals different needs profiles. Parenting stress profiles show that mothers and fathers with higher-than-normal stress levels have a greater overall need for social support than mothers and fathers with lower than normal stress levels. Discussion This study highlights the value of assessing parenting stress and social support needs in parents of DHH children for a better understanding of their situation in research and its clinical implications, as well as the importance of differentiating outcomes for mothers and fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Marie
- CRP-CPO (UR 7273), University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Laëtitia Clabaut
- Reference Center for Rare Diseases « Genetic Deafness », CHRU, Lille, France
| | - Marjolaine Corbeil
- Reference Center for Rare Diseases « Genetic Deafness », CHRU, Lille, France
| | | | | | - Barbara Le Driant
- CRP-CPO (UR 7273), University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
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Mhango P, Nyondo-Mipando AL. Factors influencing fathers' involvement in the care of hospitalized preterm newborns in Balaka, Malawi. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:432. [PMID: 37644490 PMCID: PMC10463498 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04253-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malawi has one of the highest incidences of premature birth, with twice the mortality compared to full-term. Excluding fathers from preterm newborn care has negative consequences, including father feeling powerless, missed bonding opportunities with the newborn, additional strain on the mother, and negative family dynamics such as breakdown in communication, reduced trust, and strained relationships. In Malawi, there is no deliberate policy to have fathers involved in preterm care despite having high incidence of preterm birth and neonatal mortality. There is also limited literature on the factors that influence fathers' involvement in the care. The aim of the study was to explore factors influencing fathers' involvement in the care of hospitalized preterm newborns. METHODS A descriptive qualitative study design was used, guided by Theory of planned behaviour and the model proposed by Lamb on male involvement. Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with fathers of preterm infants purposively and conveniently sampled in June 2021. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were organized and analyzed using Nvivo software and thematic analysis approach was used because the approach allows deeper understanding of the data, identification of patterns and themes, and provides rich insights into participants' experiences and perspectives. RESULTS The barriers and facilitators that influence a father's involvement in the care of preterm newborn babies include: perceived difficulty with care activities and benefits of involvement, gender roles and socio-cultural beliefs, work and other family responsibilities, social support, baby's physical appearance/nature and health status, feedback from the baby, multiple births, and hospital's physical environment and provision of basic needs. CONCLUSION The study found that fathers value their involvement in caring for hospitalized preterm newborns but face barriers. Evidence-based interventions like education programs, training sessions, and support groups can help fathers overcome barriers and promote better outcomes for infants and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patani Mhango
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Private Bag 360, Blantyre, Malawi.
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Private Bag 360, Blantyre, Malawi.
| | - Alinane Linda Nyondo-Mipando
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Private Bag 360, Blantyre, Malawi
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
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Baldoni F, Agostini F, Terrone G, Casu G, Giannotti M. A Psychometric Study of the Perinatal Assessment of Maternal Affectivity (PAMA) for the Screening of Perinatal Affective Disorders in Mothers. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060907. [PMID: 36981563 PMCID: PMC10048133 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060907] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, empirical evidence from perinatal studies has led researchers to pay more attention to fathers. The need to evaluate male suffering led at first to using the same screening tools developed for mothers. However, these instruments present validity concerns with fathers, and today the need to assume a gender-based perspective is clear. The Perinatal Assessment of Paternal Affectivity (PAPA) is a self-reported questionnaire for the screening of a variety of psychological and behavioral dimensions related to affectivity as experienced by fathers during the perinatal period. In the present study, the psychometric properties of the maternal version of the scale (Perinatal Assessment of Maternal Affectivity; PAMA) were examined. The study, based on 225 mothers and their partners (n = 215), used a cross-sectional design with a single assessment at the third trimester of pregnancy. Results indicated a one-factor structure for a seven-item version of the PAMA, which showed adequate internal consistency reliability and was associated in the expected direction with other clinically relevant variables (depression, psychological distress, perceived stress and dyadic adjustment). The findings suggest the usefulness of developing gender sensitive screening tools for the detection of perinatal affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Baldoni
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Grazia Terrone
- Department of History, Cultural Heritage, Education and Society, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Casu
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Giannotti
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Trento, Italy
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Cristóbal-Cañadas D, Parrón-Carreño T, Nievas-Soriano BJ. Effect of the Kangaroo Mother Method after Preterm Delivery on Maternal Stress and Anxiety in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16432. [PMID: 36554312 PMCID: PMC9778417 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The kangaroo mother method (KMM) may benefit infants and mothers in many ways. However, few studies focused on its efficacy on maternal anxiety and stress, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of the kangaroo mother method (KMM) on postnatal stress and anxiety in mothers of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A cohort study of two groups of 56 mother-infant dyads recruited from a neonatal intensive care unit was conducted. Two groups were compared in terms of the mean duration of KMM during the twelve days of the study: the intervention group (mean duration of more than ninety minutes per day) and the control group (less than ninety minutes). Maternal stress was measured using the Parental Stressor: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS: NICU) scale and STAI E/R questionnaire before and after intervention (KMM). Demographic and other maternal covariates were extracted from medical records. Daily NICU records were used to track the frequency and duration of KMM sessions. RESULTS Mothers of the intervention group scored lower on the PSS: NICU and STAI E/R, although no statistically significant differences were found (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Contrary to research based on biological and physiological parameters in newborns or performed before the COVID-19 pandemic, the differences found in applying subjective scales in mothers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic were not significant. Therefore, mothers' perception of physical contact with their preterm infants may not have been as positive due to their fear of transmitting COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Cristóbal-Cañadas
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Torrecárdenas University Hospital, 04009 Almeria, Spain
| | - Tesifón Parrón-Carreño
- Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine Department, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
- Andalusian Council of Health at Almeria Province, 04005 Almeria, Spain
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Psychosocial Difficulties Experienced By Parents Of Babies Treated In A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit During The Coronavirus Pandemic. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2022; 41:295-299. [PMID: 36428063 PMCID: PMC9444850 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study had two objectives: (1) to investigate the psychosocial difficulties experienced by parents of babies treated in a neonatal intensive care unit during the coronavirus pandemic and (2) to determine parent-infant attachment. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study adopted phenomenology, a qualitative research design in order to answer the research questions design. The sample consisted of 20 parents of babies treated in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a City Hospital in Turkey between July and August 2021. Participation was voluntary. Data were collected using a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire and a semi-structured qualitative interview form. Each participant was interviewed face to face. Each interview was recorded and transcribed. The data were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS Participants had a mean age of 32.2 ± 3.61 years and at least secondary school degrees. Babies were admitted to the NICU for congenital anomalies (n = 3) or preterm birth (n = 7). Participants experienced anxiety, worry, and loneliness and produced less milk because they could not see and touch their babies. Their greatest source of support was their spouses. CONCLUSION Parents of babies treated in the NICU during the COVID-19 pandemic experience anxiety, sadness, unhappiness, and loneliness. The preventive measures against the pandemic affect parents psychosocially. Healthcare professionals should plan and implement care practices and establish effective communication with parents to identify their physiological, psychological, and social needs and help them produce breastmilk and bond with their babies.
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Kmita G, Kiepura E, Niedźwiecka A. Maternal Mood and Perception of Infant Temperament at Three Months Predict Depressive Symptoms Scores in Mothers of Preterm Infants at Six Months. Front Psychol 2022; 13:812893. [PMID: 35153962 PMCID: PMC8826641 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.812893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression is more prevalent in mothers and fathers of preterm infants compared to parents of full-term infants and may have long-term detrimental consequences for parental mental health and child development. The temperamental profile of an infant has been postulated as one of the important factors associated with parental depressiveness in the first months postpartum. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal relationship between depressive symptoms and perceived infant temperament at 3 months corrected age, and depressive symptoms at 6 months corrected age among mothers and fathers of infants born preterm. We assessed 59 families with infants born before the 34th gestational week using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS) and the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised. We found that mothers’ scores on EPDS and infants’ Orienting/regulation at 3 months corrected age predicted mothers’ EPDS scores at 6 months corrected age. In particular, higher depressive scores were related to higher depressive symptoms at 6 months corrected age, whereas higher infant Orienting/regulation was related to lower depressive symptoms at 6 months corrected age. Due to the low internal consistency of EPDS at 6 months for fathers, we were unable to conduct similar analyses for fathers. Our results point to the importance of considering both early indices of maternal mood as well as mother-reported measures of preterm infant temperament in the attempts to predict levels of maternal depressiveness in later months of an infant’s life. Further studies are urgently needed in order to better understand the associations between depressiveness and infant temperament in fathers, and with more consideration for the severity of the effects of infant prematurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazyna Kmita
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
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Zhuang Y, Zhang R, Gao XR, Zhu LH, Latour JM. Validation of the Chinese Empowerment of Parents in the Intensive Care (EMPATHIC-30) Questionnaire Among Parents in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:851291. [PMID: 35433534 PMCID: PMC9005953 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.851291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no specific validated questionnaires assessing satisfaction of family-centered care experienced by parents of infants hospitalized in Chinese Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). AIM To adapt and test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the EMPATHIC-30 questionnaire in NICU settings. METHODS A prospective, cross-sectional design was adopted. The EMPATHIC-30 questionnaires were completed by parents of infants admitted to one of the four NICUs at Hunan Children's Hospital, China, between November 2018 and 2019. Inclusion criteria were parents whose infants were admitted to the NICU for at least 5 days. Exclusion criteria were parents whose children were discharged within 5 days after admission or whose infants died in the NICU. Reliability was tested with Cronbach's alpha. The congruent validity was tested using Spearman's Rank correlation analysis, and the non-differential validity was tested using Cohen's d. RESULTS Parents of 619 infants discharged from the NICUs completed and returned the questionnaire. Most infants were male (n = 337, 54.4%) and infants' length of stay was a median of 21 days (IQR = 14-37). Mostly, mothers completed the questionnaire (n = 523, 84.5%). The Cronbach's alpha values of the five individual domains were between 0.67 and 0.95, and the alpha of the total questionnaire was.90, providing an adequate internal consistency. Congruent validity was measured by correlating the five domains with four standard satisfaction scales, documenting a weak correlation (r s -0.025-0.327). Non-differential validity showed some significant effect size between four binary variables (mechanical ventilation, unplanned admission, admission after surgery, length of stay) four of the five domains. CONCLUSION The Chinese version of EMPATHIC-30 questionnaire showed acceptable psychometric properties. This instrument might be considered a suitable instrument to measure parent satisfaction among Chinese parents whose infants are admitted to an NICU. Measuring parent satisfaction with this instrument might contribute to improving family-centered care initiatives in NICUs with Chinese parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhuang
- Neonatal Department, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Neonatal Department, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Xi-Rong Gao
- Neonatal Department, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Li-Hui Zhu
- Nursing Department, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Jos M Latour
- Nursing Department, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China.,Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
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