An Investigation of the Needs of Saudi Parents of Preterm Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Eman M Alsaiari,Philippa Rasmussen,Judy Magarey

doi:10.7759/cureus.3887

Eman M Alsaiari, Philippa Rasmussen + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.3887

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Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the needs of Saudi parents who had an infant in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in one of five hospitals in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.Materials and methodsData were collected using a questionnaire that comprised questions about demographic characteristics and a modified version of the NICU Family Needs Inventory. A convenience sample of 36 Muslim Saudi mothers and fathers completed a self-reported questionnaire. Parents were asked to rate 52 statements in the NICU Family Needs Inventory as not important, somewhat important, important or very important.ResultsSaudi parents ranked the needs for assurance, proximity, and information as the most important needs. The comfort and support needs were ranked as the least important. Moreover, the highest top-ranked items were related to assurance of pain infant being treated for (86%), infant expected outcome (83%), and infant being handled gently (83%).ConclusionNurses should create a relationship with parents and provide them with comprehensible and honest assurance and information. Likewise, it is imperative to provide a high-quality holistic care for parents that relies on their needs assessment.

Highlights

A preterm infant is a baby born at less than 37 weeks of gestation [1]
Saudi parents ranked the needs for assurance, proximity, and information as the most important needs
Parents of preterm infants' experience multiple stressors related to several adverse conditions such as, the preterm birth, postpartum mother’s medical state, new parenthood feelings, vulnerability status of the infant and infant physical separation due to admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) [4,5]

Summary

Introduction

A preterm infant is a baby born at less than 37 weeks of gestation [1]. These infants are generally admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) because their underdeveloped condition renders them vulnerable to life-threatening diseases, such as sepsis, aspiration, malfunctioning digestive systems and respiratory failure [1].Birth of preterm infants and hospitalization in NICU is a stressful experience for parents worldwide [2,3]. A preterm infant is a baby born at less than 37 weeks of gestation [1] These infants are generally admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) because their underdeveloped condition renders them vulnerable to life-threatening diseases, such as sepsis, aspiration, malfunctioning digestive systems and respiratory failure [1]. NICU environment, facilities and technology, unpleasant machines sound, medical procedures, and rounds of health care providers are a source of stress as well [7]. These stressors adversely affect parents physically, psychosocially and spiritually, and can affect the relationship between parents and their infant [8]

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Discussion

Conclusion