Abstract
Introduction: Infant
hospitalization is stressful event for parent in NICU. Parents think that they
have lost control because of unfamiliar environment. Therefore, stress
management is very important in this period. The family as the main factor of
strength and protection for infant is required as the bases of standard care in
NICU. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate stress management in
Iranian NICU Parents.
Methods: Using qualitative content analysis
approach helped to collect and analysis data for open coding, classification,
and theme abstraction. Twenty one parents with hospitalized neonates,
physicians and nurses in the city of Isfahan were purposely recruited and
selected for in-depth interviews.
Results: The
analyzed content revealed unique stress management approaches among the
parents. The main themes were: 1) spirituality, 2) seeking information, 3)
Seeking hope, 4) maintaining calm, 5) attachment to infant, and 6)
communicating with the medical team
Conclusion: Findings of this study highlights the
importance of medical team’s attention to stressed parents who are trying to
make adjustment or adapt to the hospitalization of their infant. A revised
management approach to address the emotional needs of parents of neonates in
Iran seems essential for improving communication with physicians and nurses.
NICU InfParentsant
Stress
Qualitative
content analysis