Effects of kangaroo mother care combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training for reducing stress among mothers of preterm infants hospitalized in the NICU: a randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether combining nurse-assisted mindfulness training with kangaroo mother care (KMC) could reduce maternal stress and anxiety more effectively than KMC alone in mothers of preterm infants.
Results Summary
The study found that mothers receiving KMC combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training showed lower stress and anxiety scores (PSS: NICU and HADS) and higher mindfulness scores (FFMQ) compared to the control group. Additionally, the intervention group had higher breast milk feed rates and infant weight gain, with no adverse reactions reported.
Population
Mothers of preterm infants (gestational age <32 weeks or birth weight <1500 g) in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Effective Dosage
Not specified (mindfulness training was nurse-assisted but frequency/duration details are not provided beyond the 14-day intervention).
Duration
14 days
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kangaroo mother care (KMC) combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training | decrease | parental stressor scale scores for the neonatal intensive care unit (PSS: NICU) (3), PSS: NICU (4), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores | mothers of preterm infants | - | were lower than those for the control group | #1 |
Kangaroo mother care (KMC) combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training | increase | Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) (1), FFMQ (4), and FFMQ (5) scores | mothers of preterm infants | - | were higher | #2 |
Kangaroo mother care (KMC) combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training | decrease | degree of change in the PSS: NICU and HADS scores | mothers of preterm infants | - | was inversely correlated | #3 |
Kangaroo mother care (KMC) combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training | increase | breast milk feed rate and weight gain rate | preterm infants | - | were greater | #4 |
Kangaroo mother care (KMC) combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training | decrease | anxiety | mothers of preterm infants in the NICU | - | is an acceptable, feasible, and effective procedure for reducing anxiety | #5 |
Kangaroo mother care (KMC) combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training | increase | short-term prognosis | preterm infants | - | has potential benefits for the short-term prognosis | #6 |
BACKGROUND: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) can have a positive effect on the mental well-being of a mother. However, there are specific challenges associated with the process that may contribute to increased anxiety for the mother. By integrating nurse-assisted mindfulness training alongside KMC guidance, nurses may effectively alleviate maternal stress to a greater extent. METHODS: A single-centre randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effects of KMC combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training. The study included preterm infants with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks or a birth weight of less than 1500 g and their mothers, who were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group consisted of mothers who received KMC combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training for 14 days. The control group comprised mothers who received only KMC for 14 days. Data from both groups were collected and compared for analysis. RESULTS: Forty-seven infants and their mothers were included in the intervention group, whereas 44 pairs were included in the control group. After the intervention, the parental stressor scale scores for the neonatal intensive care unit (PSS: NICU) (3), PSS: NICU (4), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores for the intervention group were lower than those for the control group, whereas the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) (1), FFMQ (4), and FFMQ (5) scores for the intervention group were higher. The degree of change in the PSS: NICU and HADS scores was inversely correlated with the degree of change in the FFMQ score. The breast milk feed rate and weight gain rate were greater in the intervention group than in the control group. No adverse reactions were observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Kangaroo mother care combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training is an acceptable, feasible, and effective procedure for reducing anxiety in mothers of preterm infants in the NICU, with potential benefits for the short-term prognosis of these infants. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900023697, registered on June 8, 2019, retrospectively registered.