EFFECTIVENESS OF COUNSELING ON REDUCTION OF STRESS ON MOTHER’S OF HIGH RISK NEONATES IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

Background: Admission of a newborn in a NICU may be a major crisis in the lives of parents and may produce greater levels of stress. This study was done with the intention of reducing the parental stress in NICU and improving the coping strategies of the parents. Methods and materials:  One group pre-test and post-test was used. Mothers were taken belongs to NICU admitted high-risk neonates were target population. A sample of 75 mothers were taken using quasi experimental design. Stress was assessed by using modified parental stressor scale. But the counselling was given by using assisted video teaching and flashcards. Results: This study has revealed that counselling program helps to reduce the stress level for the mothers of high-risk neonates. The pre-test mean score stress level in parental role alteration is 2.03±0.84, but in post- test it is reduced to 1.61±0.55. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit mothers of high risk neonates needed good communication with physician, nurses and other health workers helps to reduce the stress level in NICU.