Factors associated with maternal stress while caring for premature infants at home

Abstract

The occurrence of stress in mothers with premature infants is known to have a negative impact on both mothers and their infants. To overcome the condition, nurses must understand its influential factors to provide effective assistance. Therefore, this study aims to identify factors associated with stress in mothers with premature infants. The study procedures were carried out using a cross-sectional design with a purposive sampling technique comprising 188 mothers with premature infants. In addition, the instruments used were questionnaires for assessing the PSS (Parent Stress Scale), knowledge about the benefits of caring for infants, and support. Data analysis was then carried out using univariate analysis, chi-square, and binary logistic regression. The majority of mothers had a moderate level of stress, accounting for 46.3% of the total population. In addition, the results showed that factors associated with moderate levels of stress in mothers with premature infants were younger age, low level of education, SC delivery method, living in rural areas, low knowledge of care, very low infant weight, and low partner support. Based on the results, maternal factors and unfavorable infant conditions could increase stress in mothers with premature infants.

Keywords

• Caring
• mother
• premature
• stress