Assessment of Stress Levels among Postnatal Mothers with Preterm Babies in Newborn Unit: Case of Machakos Level 5 Hospital, Machakos County

Abstract

Preterm birth is a significant public health problem worldwide. Preterm babies require special care, including immediate hospitalization after delivery. Mothers of preterm infants often show elevated stress levels and psychological difficulties. The objectives of the study were to assess the prevalence rate of stress on mothers with preterm babies, establish the relationship between social demographic characteristics and stress among postnatal mothers with preterm babies and identify the coping mechanisms of postnatal mothers with pre-term babies. Two theories were used in this study. The transactional Model of stress and coping. This model of theory helps to know why some postnatal mothers with preterm babies’ experience stress while others do not. The second theory was the social cognitive theory. Social Cognitive Theory is useful for understanding how personal factors such as the mother's beliefs, attitudes, and self-efficacy may influence her stress levels. A descriptive survey design was used. The target population for this study was mothers with preterm babies in NBU at Machakos Level 5 Hospital, Machakos County. A target population of 101 respondents formed the study sample. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze Quantitative data. All analysis in the study was carried out using SPSS v28 at 95% confidence interval. Some of the findings implied that the study respondents were largely within the child-bearing age of 18 to 40 years, with only 1 being above 40 years. The results showed varied educational levels with a majority having attained a secondary level of education. The correlation between mother’s age and overall level of stress was statistically significant (r=0.829, p=0.045). Among other recommendations, as a standard, there is need to screen postnatal mothers with preterm babies for stress after admission.