DETERMINING THE STRESS AND ANXIETY LEVELS OF MOTHERS WITH INFANTS IN THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Objective: The hospitalization of a newborn for any reason and the separation of mother and infant can be a source of stress during the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the stress and anxiety levels of mothers with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) during the pandemic. Methods: This descriptive study was carried out with 105 mothers whose babies were hospitalized in the NICU of a hospital in Eskisehir province in Turkey between May 14 and June 14, 2020. Results: Participants ranged in age from 18 to 42 years old, with an average age of 29.63±5.78. It was determined that 54.3% of the infants (n=57) were admitted to the NICU immediately after birth and remained in the NICU for an average of 7.61±15.18 days. It was found that mothers experienced moderate stress (PSS: NICU score 3.48±0.99) and anxiety (PSAS score 82.07±21.41) during the pandemic. A significant positive relationship was found between PSAS and PSS: NICU (p=.003; r=0.290). Conclusions: It was concluded that in order to reduce levels of stress and anxiety, mothers with babies in the NICU during the pandemic period should increase the time they spend with their baby, and both doctors and nurses should provide mothers with information about the infant’s condition.Objective: The hospitalization of a newborn for any reason and the separation of mother and infant can be a source of stress during the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the stress and anxiety levels of mothers with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) during the pandemic. Methods: This descriptive study was carried out with 105 mothers whose babies were hospitalized in the NICU of a hospital in Eskisehir province in Turkey between May 14 and June 14, 2020. Results: Participants ranged in age from 18 to 42 years old, with an average age of 29.63±5.78. It was determined that 54.3% of the infants (n=57) were admitted to the NICU immediately after birth and remained in the NICU for an average of 7.61±15.18 days. It was found that mothers experienced moderate stress (PSS: NICU score 3.48±0.99) and anxiety (PSAS score 82.07±21.41) during the pandemic. A significant positive relationship was found between PSAS and PSS: NICU (p=.003; r=0.290). Conclusions: It was concluded that in order to reduce levels of stress and anxiety, mothers with babies in the NICU during the pandemic period should increase the time they spend with their baby, and both doctors and nurses should provide mothers with information about the infant’s condition.