Effects on Maternal Attachment, Parenting Stress, and Maternal Confidence of Systematic Information for Mothers of Premature Infants

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of systematic information on maternal attachment, parenting stress and maternal confidence of mothers of premature infants. METHODS: Using a non-equivalent control group pre-post quasi-experimental design, 42 participants were assigned to one of two groups, an experimental group (n=20), which received systematic information; and a control (n=22), which received the usual discharge education. Prior to the intervention, baseline data were collected (pretest) and then the systematic information was provided four times for the experimental group. Maternal attachment, parenting stress and maternal confidence were measured. Data were collected three times Seven to 10 days prior to discharge, day of discharge, and two weeks after discharge. RESULTS: Mothers in the experimental group had significantly higher scores in maternal attachment (F=6.16, p=.005), lower parenting stress scores (F=5.56, p=.004), and higher scores for maternal confidence (F=16.50, p<.001) than mothers in the control group. These tendencies were progressively enhanced even two weeks after discharge from the hospital. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that provision of systematic information to mothers with premature infants is an effective intervention to enhance mothers' maternal attachment, decrease parenting stress, and enhance maternal confidence.