Aims

1) Identify the relationship between the degree of stress and satisfaction, and 2) analyse what aspects influence the overall perception of stress in parents with children admitted to a NICU.

Method

Cross-sectional descriptive study of a sample of 24 mothers / fathers. A socio-biodemographic questionnaire prepared "ad hoc", parental stress scale Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS: NICU) and questionnaire about the quality of hospital care (SERVQHOS) were used.

Results

Statistically significant differences between some socio-biodemographic variables and the dimensions of the PSS:NICU scale and the SERVQHOS questionnaire were observed. The variables that best predict the overall stress were the dimensions appearance and behaviour of the new-born (AC) and the role of the mother (PM) (R2 = 0.357, F (2,21) = 5.822; p = 0.010).

Conclusions

Promote proper communication between professionals and fathers / mothers with children admitted to a NICU, increases in them satisfaction; however, this does not cause a decrease in overall stress. The variables that most influence on the overall stress levels are alterations in the appearance / behaviour of the baby and the role of the mother.

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