Factors associated with maternal visitation and participation in skin-to-skin care in an all referral level IIIc NICU

Aim To identify variables associated with maternal visitation and participation in skin-to-skin care (SSC) with their extremely premature (<27weeks) neonate. Methods In an all referral level IIIc, 32 extremely premature neonates and their mothers were studied. Standardized instruments were the Parental Stressor Scale: NICU and the ParentStaff Communication Rating Scale. Unstandardized Tools included a self-report demographics sheet and a self-report parent SSC log. Results Using regression analysis, two factors were identified that were significantly associated with the amount of time that mothers visit and participate in SSC: the amount and type of stress that mothers experience and their perceived level of communication with medical staff. Conclusion Future interventions for increasing SSC should involve education about the NICU environment and neonatal behaviour along with methods for enhancing communication between mothers and healthcare providers.