Exploring of Parental Stress and Anxiety and Its Influencing Factors in Parents of Premature Infants

Background: Preterm infants, defined as those born between 20 and 36 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 2500 grams, present unique challenges for their parents. The increasing rate of preterm births in Taiwan, influenced by factors such as delayed childbearing and the use of assisted reproductive technologies, necessitates a deeper understanding of parental stress and anxiety during NICU hospitalization. Objective: This study aimed to examine the levels of parental stress and anxiety experienced by parents of preterm infants during their hospitalization period in the NICU. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 104 parents of preterm infants admitted to the NICU of a medical center in southern Taiwan. Data were collected using the Parental Stress Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS: NICU) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: The study found significant correlations between parental stress and complications in preterm infants, such as intraventricular hemorrhage (t = 1.032, p = 0.000) and infections (t = 2.606, p = 0.010). Marital status (F = 3.975, p = 0.021), education level (F = 3.821, p = 0.006), and occupation (F = 2.298, p = 0.007) were significantly associated with stress levels. Mothers exhibited higher trait anxiety than fathers, influenced by cultural and postpartum factors. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for healthcare providers to address both the medical and psychological needs of parents during their infant's NICU stay. By providing support, clear communication, and opportunities for parental involvement, healthcare professionals can help reduce parental stress and anxiety, improving outcomes for both parents and their preterm infants.