Abstract:

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the stress level and some characteristics of parents and babies that affect the parent’s stress level in neonatal intensive care. Methods: The research was carried out in cross-sectional design. Total of 236 parents whose babies were hospitalized in a state hospital, neonatal intensive care unit in Kars between 01.06. 2019-01.10.2020 attended the research. Data was collected from “The Information Form” and the “YYBU Parent Stress Scale”. Descriptive statistical methods, relationship and difference analysis, and finally Logistic Regression Analysis were used in the analysis of the data. Results: The average age of the parents is 26.85 ± 5.56 (18-46). The total score average of the parents of the YYBU Parent Stress Scale is 2.01 ± 0.96. The mean scores of the subscale were determined to be “Image and Sounds” 1.61 ± 1.16, “Baby Appearance and Behaviors” 2.04 ± 1.06, “Parent Role” 2.18 ± 1.09. It was determined that the low week of gestation of the baby is an important predictor (p <0.05) of parental stress. Conclusion: In the present study, it was showed that parental stress level and low week of gestation are risk factors at parental stress level. Determination of these results can enable healthcare professionals in the hospital to facilitate parental adjustment and coping.

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