Stress Experienced by Parents of Hospitalized Neonate

Abstract

Abstract:Introduction: Parents would undergo stress with their neonate hospitalization in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for any reason.Objectives: The present study aimed to determine stress experienced by parents on hospitalization of their neonate in NICU and the neonate's and parent's characteristics that result in different stress response. Methodology Results:The mean and standard deviation of total stress score was 3.51±0.74 and 3.58±0.70 overall stress and stress occurrence score respectively. The highest stress experienced by parents was relationship with baby and parental role (3.87 ±78) followed by how the baby looked and behaved (3.78±77), sight and sounds of NICU (2.88±1.18). Mothers were found more stressful in regarding their parental role than fathers and economically inactive parents were more stressful in concerning their parental role. The infant characteristics of gestational age resulted in significantly different scores concerning the baby's appearance and behavior. Conclusion:Neonate hospitalization to NICU produces the varying degree of stress to parents mostly on their alteration of parenting role and appearance and behavior of neonate during treatment process. Hence, health care professional of NICU need to develop intervention that is more supportive and responsive to the parents' need.