Basic hope in preterm mothers

Abstract

The study sought to determine the possibility of preterm mothers' basic hope changing between childbirth and 12-month follow-up, and the magnitude of potential changes. To this end, the levels of basic hope were measured at these two time points. Also investigated was whether changes in basic hope were associated with the anticipation of preterm birth, the childbirth method, planned pregnancy, and plural pregnancy. Basic hope is a relatively stable component of personality, but its level can vary over one's lifetime under the influence of different experiences, especially life-changing ones. Basic hope is a regulatory factor helping people constructively deal with difficult situations. Materials and methods: A sample of 62 preterm mothers were surveyed postpartum and at 12-month follow-up using socio-demographic and medical questionnaires, and the Basic Hope Inventory (BHI-12). Results: Both after childbirth and 12 months afterwards, the participants' results on basic hope were average, and did not differ significantly. However, the results' trend toward statistical significance indicated that at 12 months the level of basic hope was higher in the participants who did not consider the possibility of becoming preterm mothers. Conclusions: The level of basic hope does not significantly change in preterm mothers in the twelve months after childbirth.