engleski

Mothers and fathers in NICU: comparing parental stress, sources of stress and stress reduction techniques

Background: Parents of newborns hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) often experience high levels of psychological distress. However, the emphasis of most research has been on mothers and the results may not be generalizable to fathers. The objective of this study was to assess the differences between mothers’ and fathers’ level of psychological distress, stressors related to NICU and to outside the hospital, stress reduction techniques and their effectiveness. Methods: 227 parents (120 mothers, 107 fathers), aged 17 to 55, completed Parental Stressor Scale-NICU, External Stressors Scale, Stress Reduction Scale and CORE-18. Average gestational age of infants from two regional NICU was 32 weeks (24-42), birth weight 1605 gr (580-3720) and 56% needed respiratory support ; average hospitalization duration was 28 days (5-161). Findings: 52, 4% parents were in clinically significant global distress, more mothers than fathers. Mothers have more clinically significant results on three CORE dimensions: subjective well-being, problems/symptoms and general life functioning. Fathers showed more clinically significant results on risk of self-harm or hurting other. There were no gender differences in stress related to NICU itself. Among external stressors, child-care for siblings is more stressful for mothers, meeting work obligations for fathers. Speaking to other parents in NICU is more often a stress reduction technique for mothers, exercise for fathers. Mothers find professional counseling, prayer and confiding in friends and family more effective in reducing stress than fathers. Discussion: Results imply the importance of gender specific psychological and social support for parents of newborns hospitalized in NICU.

mothers and fathers, NICU, sources of stress, stress reduction techniques

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