502 Preterm Birth: Management of Maternal Stress

Abstract

Background: Management of stress is a very important factor of coping positive and negative life events. In this study mothers of preterm infants with different gestational age were examined in terms of their stress strategies. Methods: The management of stress positive strategies (abasement/hostility, diversion and control), negative strategies, searching for social support and avoidance of stress was assessed by SVF 120 in mothers of preterm infants (born between 28 and 33 weeks of gestation) within the first three days after delivery. Socio-demographic data were recorded. Results: 16 mothers (aged 32±6 years) of preterm infants (gestational age 30.7±1.4 weeks; birth weight 1637±250g) have participated in the study by now. With decreasing gestational age maternal management of stress with diversion (p=0.010), control (p=0.040), searching for social support (p=0.034) and avoidance of stress (p=0,026) increased. Maternal management of stress with abasement/hostility and negative strategies was independent of the gestational age. Conclusion: The results show, that the maternal management of stress at preterm birth depends on the gestational age. These differences should be taken into account in the care and support of mothers of preterm infants in order to improve mother-child interaction. Learner objectives: Management of maternal stress, gestational age, mother-child interaction.