Stress and Coping Strategies of Parents of Preterm Infants in Selected Tertiary Health Institutions in Ekiti State

Background: Preterm birth is one the leading causes of death among children below the age of five years and involves all births that occur before 37 weeks of gestation. This study therefore examined the stress and coping techniques of preterm infants parents in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital and Federal Teaching Hospital, Ekiti State.

Methodology: This study adopted quantitative research method and study was conducted among parents of preterm infants in two selected teaching hospital Ekiti State Nigeria. Sample size was determined using Fischer’s formula and the sample consisted of 82 respondents selected using purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a standardized instrument (Family Inventory of Life Events and Changes) developed by McCubbin & Patternson (1983) with reliability index of 0.83. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation and tables while inferential statistics of chi-square and correlation were used to test stated hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance.

Results: The results showed that majority (32.1%) of preterm babies were jaundiced and were male (58.9%). Parents of preterm infants experienced moderate (85%) level of stress. However, finances and business strains were identified as major stress experienced by preterm infant parents. Overall coping level was high (65.2%) and coping strategies employed were seeking information and advice; positive reframing; and seeking for assistance. The findings also revealed no correlation between perceived stress and coping technique; no significant association between the socio-demographic factors and stress experienced by parents of preterm infants.

Conclusion: This study showed that parents of preterm infants experienced stress but developed coping techniques to suppress their level of stress. It is therefore recommended that nurses should develop proper understanding about the parents’ stressful situations to provide a holistic care to the neonates and their parents.