The Relationship Between Social Support and Perceived Stress in the Mothers of Infants with Colic

Abstract

Background: High stress levels in the parents of infants with colic have negative impacts on their quality of life. Maternal concerns with infants' needs can be reduced through social support. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between social support and perceived stress in the mothers of infants with colic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 200 mothers of infants with colic referred to 14 healthcare centers affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences in year 2017. A convenience sampling method was used. Demographic data form, Cohen perceived stress and Vaux's perceived social support questionnaires were used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was a statistically significant positive correlation between social support and perceived stress (r = 0.31, P = 0.001). In other words, with increase in social support, perceived stress would be increased. However, the support of the spouse in the form of childcare could reduce perceived stress in the mother (P = 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that with increase in social support, perceived stress in the mothers of infants with colic also would be increased. However, spousal assistant in childcare is accompanied by a reduction in perceived stress in mothers.

Impact of maternity support program on the stress of mothers in the first encounter with the preterm infants

“…Since the nurses probably don't have sufficient time to meet the parents' emotional needs, applying the members of volunteer supportive teams can be suitable. [ 37 38 ]…”

Psychometric Assessment of Infant Colic Scale in Iranian Population

“…Researchers suggest that reassuring parents (that the problem will be resolved by 3-4 months of age without any serious long-term effect), providing social support, and reducing stress levels are the most effective ways to manage infantile colic. 9 …”

“…Researchers suggest that reassuring parents (that the problem will be resolved by 3-4 months of age without any serious long-term effect), providing social support, and reducing stress levels are the most effective ways to manage infantile colic. 9 The assessment of colic is quite complicated. Given the ambiguous nature of colic, only a few tools have been made for the assessment and diagnosis of this disorder.…”

Mothers’ Awareness Towards Infantile Colic in Saudi Arabia

“…In Asia, some studies have indicated a significant maternal role in the management of infantile colic. For instance, the positive effects of social support and spousal assistance in the management and caretaking of colic babies have been described in a cross-sectional Iranian study [ 16 ]. Moreover, a study enrolling more than 200 Turkish mothers revealed that the majority (more than 60%) of mothers used behavioral coping mechanisms such as rocking, holding and messaging baby bellies and feet to manage infantile colic during 1-6 months of age [ 17 ].…”