Psychological distress in mothers of infants admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
Journal Title: Pediatric Review: International Journal of Pediatric Research - Year 2015, Vol 2, Issue 4
Abstract
Introduction: Mothers whose infants are admitted to NICU undergo significant distress which can interfere with mother infant bonding. Materials & Methods: Mothers belonging to two groups: Group 1 –(clinical) 30 mothers of infants admitted in NICU of IGICH. Group 2-(control) 30 mothers of normal infants from Jayanagar General Hospital (JGH) were included. Period Of Study: July 14 to Dec 14. All mothers cooperative for interview, mothers from intact families were included. Mothers of infants having major illness were excluded. Results: Qualitative analysis of clinical sample indicates 90% mothers in “extremely stressful” severity rating and 10% “very stressful” rating. Urban families experience more stress (p=0.012). Previous NICU experience showed higher stress levels as compared to no previous experience (p=0.052). Coping styles like praying to god about infant well being(100%), reading books(26%), always thinking about baby(100%), expressing emotions to husband and families (85%), blaming themselves(56%) and others like in laws(10%), meditating(12%), keeping feelings and emotions to themselves (43%), sitting and crying(10%). Control group used praying and talking to themselves (43%), sitting and crying (10%). Control group used praying and talking to family and coped better. Statistically significant difference indicating higher distress in mothers of clinical group.100% felt bad, lonely, hurt and sad, 50% felt hopeless about future and 25% expressed anger mostly directed towards their mother/husband. 70% mothers in clinical group were not allowed to breastfeed thus causing emotional distress to the mother. Conclusion: Mothers are at immense stress when separated from their infants hence measures to reduce the same must be considered.
Authors and Affiliations
Niranjan HS, Nijaguna A, Jagadish AS, Naveen Benakappa
Keywords
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- EP ID EP325091
- DOI 10.17511/ijpr.2015.4.024
- Views 165
- Downloads 0
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