Psychological Distress And Coping Styles: A Study Among Mothers With Preterm Infants In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH)

Abstract

This study examined the psychological distress and coping styles among mothers with preterm infants at the major hospital (Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital) in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A sample of 100 mothers with preterm and 50 with term infants were used in the study. Cross-sectional survey method was used and the participants were administered with the parental stressor scale, Africultural coping inventory, multidimensional scale of perceived social support and the Brief Symptom Inventory. Results from the analysis showed that mothers with preterm infants report more of depression and anxiety than mothers with term infants. Further analyses showed that, level of depression was significantly predicted by the sight and sound of the unit. Additionally, Sight and sound, appearance and behaviour of infants, parental role and staff behaviour and communication predicted level of anxiety. Anxiety was significantly predicted by the support received from family. Spiritual and collective centered coping also predicted anxiety. Finally, education, and number of days in NICU did not have any influence on psychological distress. The implications of these outcomes are discussed in relation to mental healthcare delivery, maternity and the health sector. It is concluded that mothers with preterm perception about NICU plays a significant role in their experience of psychological distress, and also support received from family, spiritual and collective coping styles also influence their psychological distress, and therefore attention is required from the health officials for a holistic healthcare.