FACTORS INFLUENCING STRESS LEVELS IN PARENTS OF NEONATES UNDERGOING SURGERY: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Introduction: The surgical hospitalization of neonates presents significant emotional and psychological challenges for parents, often resulting in heightened stress. This study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing stress levels in parents of neonates undergoing surgery in a public tertiary care setting in Pakistan. Objective: To determine and examine clinico-demographic and psychological variables that affect the level of stress in the parents of neonates who have undergone surgery at the Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital Swat. Material and Method: This prospective observational study was done at Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital Swat, between January, 2022 to December, 2024. One hundred and fifty parents of neonates who had elective or emergency surgery were recruited. Information was collected using a validated parental stressor scale along with demographic and clinical data. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant predictors of high stress levels among parents. Results: High stress levels were recorded among 68 percent of parents. Emergency surgery, low educational status, long stay in the hospital, and ineffective communication of healthcare providers were key factors that were highly correlated to high levels of stress (p < 0.05). Mothers were responding with a greater level of stress in comparison to fathers. Just 22 percent were offered any psychological assistance during their stay in the hospital. Conclusion: Neonatal surgical care causes parental stress, which is frequent and multifactorial. Enhanced communication, psychosocial assistance, and family-centered care practices are essential to curb stress and improve neonatal outcomes in the presence of resource constraints.