The effect of parental role training on stress in the parents of hospitalized newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Background & Aim: Infant hospitalization in the intensive care unit is stressful for parents so that it affects their parental role. Nurses, due to their special situation, can play an important role in reducing parental stress. This study aimed to determine the effect of parental role training by a nurse on stress in the parents of hospitalized newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit. Methods & Materials: A quasi-experimental study (IRCT201605131788N17) was conducted on 72 parents (36 couples in the intervention group, 36 couples in the control group) of hospitalized newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit of Ali-Asghar hospital in 2016. The intervention group received the parental role training based on their needs. Their stress level was compared with the control group using the Parental Stress Scale. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, chi-square test, paired t-test, independent t-test and Fisherchr('39')s exact test using the SPSS software v.16. Results: Before the education, there was no significant difference in the stress level between the two groups (P>0.05). After the education program, the stress level in the intervention group fell on the tenth day compared to the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Training parents based on their educational needs reduces their stress. By reducing stress and improving the role of parents, it can be assured that the newborn is provided with the quality care at the time of admission.

Keywords

• neonatal intensive care unit
• parental stress
• parental role
• education neonatal nurse