Parental stress and associated symptoms in premature babies’ parents: a systematic review

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The objective of the study was to identify in the scientific papers the variables associated with parental stress of premature babies’ parents through the graph analytics technique. Methods: This is a Systematic Literature Review performed in the CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Medline, PsycInfo and Web of Science databases. Results: The search yielded 12 articles that were submitted to the data graph analytics technique for analysis and visualization through the NodeXL Program. Among the variables reviewed, the following stand out: parental psychological distress, risk factors, maternal characteristics, child characteristics, environmental characteristics, parent-infant relationship, and intervention. The main symptoms associated with parental stress were depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress. Conclusion: The implementation of interventions aimed at the baby and the family’s well-being can minimize the conditions faced.

Keywords

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Parents
• Premature infant
• Psychological stress