Perceived Stress Among Caregivers of Postnatal Mothers with Newborns Admitted in the Postnatal Wards of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Postnatal women often experience significant stress and anxiety due to the transition into motherhood. While much attention is given to the emotional well-being of postnatal mothers, the stress experienced by their caregivers is frequently overlooked. This study aimed to assess perceived stress among caregivers of postnatal mothers admitted to postnatal wards in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 100 caregivers were recruited over two months using a consecutive sampling technique. Upon obtaining informed consent, participants completed the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ). The average PSQ index score was 0.4339, indicating a moderate level of stress among caregivers. The findings highlight the need for nurses and healthcare professionals to support caregivers with effective coping strategies, acknowledging their critical role in maternal and newborn care. Holistic familycentered care should include psychological support for caregivers to enhance the overall well-being of the family unit