COMPARING STRESS LEVEL IN PARENTS OF PREMATURE NEONATES HOSPITALIZED IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS [NICU] IN EDUCATIONAL-MEDICAL CENTERS OF AHVAZ

Objective: birth of premature and low birth weight baby is the most underlying factor of mortality during the first year of life. Paying attention to social-mental effective aspects of birth of premature baby in parents is also important. The main objective of this study is to compare the stress of fathers and mothers of premature babies hospitalized in NICUs of Ahvaz Educational-Medical Centers. Method: the study is a descriptive-analytical research and the statistical population consists of all families of premature babies hospitalized in Abuzar and Imam Hospitals. 192 people of these families were selected as sample based on number of beds in each unit of hospital. The data collection was done using two questionnaires of demographic information and Parent Stressor Scale: neonatal intensive care unit [PSS: NICU]. Validity and reliability of the instrument was confirmed in similar studies. Data analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: mean value and standard deviation [SD] of environmental factor is equal to [3.30±0.514] in fathers and to [3.81±0.532] in mothers. Independent t-test showed also significant difference between mothers and fathers [p<0.0001]. However, mean value and SD of the appearance and behavior of baby and parent role change showed respectively no significant difference between them using independent t-test [p=0.206] [p=0.175]. Conclusion: after birth of premature babies and hospitalization in NICU, parents experience high level of stress. Hence, it is necessary for the medical personnel to pay specific attention to the parents in addition to provide care for the babies. Key words: premature Neonates, NICU, family, stress