MOTHER‘S STRESS LEVEL OF NEWBORN IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AT THE GUILLERMO GRANT BENAVENTE HOSPITAL, CONCEPCION, CHILE, 1999

Abstract

The aim of this descriptive correlational study was to determine the Stress Level in mothers of newborns from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital, Concepción, Chile, 1999. Thirty five mothers of hospitalized newborns were considered for an accidental sample. The following instruments were applied to accomplish the research purpose: The Maternal Stress Scale that measures the stress level, and its dimension; The Biosociodemographic´s Records of mother and Newborns Characteristics Questionnaire. From the variables proposed, the unit’s environment, the newborn’s aspect and behaviour, the mother´s role, turned out to be related to the mother’s stress level. As for the biosociodemographic variables, they were not related to the mother’s total stress as well as the newborn´s characteristics.
Considering the results as obtained, it is convenient to think over about the mother’s participation in the premature and ill newborn care, since according to the findings, the need is recognized. On the other hand, the nurse as professional, must be sensitive to recognize the particular and unique characteristics of every mother for the intervention as the case might deserve it.