Stress Management among Parents of Neonates Hospitalized in NICU: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Infant hospitalization is stressful event for parent in NICU. Parents think that they have lost control because of unfamiliar environment. Therefore, stress management is very important in this period. The family as the main factor of strength and protection for infant is required as the bases of standard care in NICU. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate stress management in Iranian NICU Parents. Methods: Using qualitative content analysis approach helped to collect and analysis data for open coding, classification, and theme abstraction. Twenty one parents with hospitalized neonates, physicians and nurses in the city of Isfahan were purposely recruited and selected for in-depth interviews. Results: The analyzed content revealed unique stress management approaches among the parents. The main themes were: 1) spirituality, 2) seeking information, 3) Seeking hope, 4) maintaining calm, 5) attachment to infant, and 6) communicating with the medical team Conclusion: Findings of this study highlights the importance of medical team’s attention to stressed parents who are trying to make adjustment or adapt to the hospitalization of their infant. A revised management approach to address the emotional needs of parents of neonates in Iran seems essential for improving communication with physicians and nurses.

Stress level and health locus of control in parents of hospitalized newborns – preliminary report

“…This study showed that more than half of parents experienced high levels of stress, and one in four, the average level. This corresponds to the results of other authors [4,[6][7][8] who confirmed the occurrence of a high level of stress in parents. Thus, the question arises how to take care of a newborn and their parents to minimize the stimuli that cause tension and are a source of stress?…”

“…The impact of strong stressors and the lack of well-shaped personality defence mechanisms can have serious health consequences for humans. Emotional disorders, increased anxiety, sleep and appetite disorders are characteristic features [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. In the presented research results, more than half (66.2%) of parents experienced concern, 41.9% fear, and almost every third anxiety.…”

“…The reports from the literature [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] indicate the following sources of stress for parents whose children are in the hospital ward: the presence of medical staff and other patients, the appearance of an ill newborn (apnea, low body weight, bruising, numerous intravenous punctures) and their behaviour, care and therapeutic procedures, noise generated by life monitoring equipment. In addition, accepting the role of an ill child's parent and building relationship with them is a source of fear and a stressful situation.…”

“…Others, however, retreat and avoid making efforts to eliminate the effects of stress on themselves and their child. Chronic parental stress has a negative impact, for example, on interactions between the parent and the child, and it affects the child's psychological and physical development [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9].…”

Educational intervention to increase parental care of preterm neonates at district hospital in Kigali

“…Parents already in shock from an unexpected early birth, frequently find the NICU environment overwhelming, due to seeing their infant connected to wires, electrodes and intravenous lines, and the unfamiliar equipment such as an incubator, cardiac monitor, and ventilator. [10] Hence, most parents are not prepared for the challenges of parenting a preterm infant. [11] Though parents have a vital role in caring for their infant beginning in the NICU, they have specific information and communication needs, and they seek ways to reduce the emotional impact of their infant's admission to the NICU.…”