The intervention models to alleviate stress among mothers of premature babies in the NICU: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention model in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) environment to reduce the stress levels in mothers during the treatment of their premature babies in the NICU. Methods. A literature search was conducted through CINAHL, Springer Nature, ProQuest, SAGE, and Scopus in March 2021 with a total search result of 1338 articles. The inclusion criteria were experimental and quasi-experimental studies that analyzed the effect of the intervention on the stress among mothers of premature babies being treated in the NICU. Results. Five types of intervention modification reported in 10 articles matched the inclusion criteria (n = 1046 participants). In general, the type of intervention provided is based on education combined with a bio/psycho/socio/cultural/spiritual approach. Providing education with one of these approaches is considered more effective when compared to education only. Most interventions did not involve the father. Conclusion. Providing education through a comprehensive approach can be an alternative to reduce stress for mothers who have premature babies being treated in the NICU. Key words: intervention, mother, premature babies, stress