THE IMPACT OF EXPRESSIVE WRITING ON STRESS AND SATISFACTION OF CARE IN MOTHERS OF PREMATURE NEONATES HOSPITALIZED IN NICU

Premature baby birth and hospitalization in NICU is a potentially stressful event
for the mother. This study investigates effects of expressive writing on stress and satisfaction of mothers
from cares served in NICU.
Materials & Methods: This study is a clinical trial that was carried on 91 mothers with infants in NICU
was assigned to intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, expressive writing started
from day 3 of hospitalization in NICU and continued to day 10. Parent's satisfaction questionnaire of
care in NICU and parent's stress questionnaire at days 3 and 10 and PSS-14 COHEN at months 1 and 3
of hospitalization were completed by all mothers. Data analysis was performed using Chi-square,
independent t-test.
Results: Mean mother's stress scores at days 10 in compare with days 3 after hospitalization for
intervention groups decreased but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0/28). COHEN
mean stress score after intervention at 1 and 3 months after hospitalization for intervention group was
less than control group (P=0.005). Mean mother's satisfaction score at days 10 in compare with days 3
after hospitalization for intervention group was more than control group that shows increase in
satisfaction in intervention group (P=0.000).
Conclusion: Expressive writing significantly Increase levels of satisfaction and decreases levels of
stress in mothers with infants in NICU.