Assessment of Maternal Knowledge Regarding Care of Premature Infants post Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Discharge

Background: A premature infant’s birth is one of the most stressful experiences parent may have. Poor maternal knowledge about the care requirements of premature infant is a basic cause for post-discharge health problems and readmission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Aim: The study was aimed to assess mothers’ knowledge regarding care of premature infants post Neonatal Intensive Care Unit discharge. Design: Descriptive research design was used. Setting: The study was conducted at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit affiliated to Suez Canal University hospital. Sample: Purposive sampling of 105 mothers of premature infants who attended to the previous mentioned setting and agreed to participate in the study. Tool: Structured interviewing questionnaire was used to assess the mothers' knowledge regarding care of premature infants post Neonatal Intensive Care Unit discharge. Results: The results of the study revealed that, more than half of the studied mothers had satisfactory knowledge, while less than half exhibited unsatisfactory knowledge. There were statistically significant relationships between the studied mothers’ level of knowledge, employment status and educational level. Conclusion: The current study concluded that, the studied mothers had satisfactory knowledge regarding care of premature infants post discharge. Also, a statistically significant relationship was observed between the studied mothers’ level of knowledge, employment status and educational level. Recommendations: The study recommended that, periodic structured discharge educational programs about premature infants’ care post discharge should be provided to the mothers to enhance their knowledge.