Evaluation of the Relationship Between Self-efficacy and Quality of Life in Mothers With Preterm Infants in Kamali Hospital of Karaj, Iran, 2015

A preterm neonate puts the mother in complicated conditions, and affects the natural process of neonatal care as well as parental role, particularly the mother’s role. Self-efficacy is a factor that significantly influences the proper function and responsibility of mother, and also is a determining factor in the evolution of mother’s performance and has a close relationship with the growth and development of infant. On the other hand, quality of life (QoL) is related with self-efficacy. The current study aimed at determining the relationship between self-efficacy and QoL in mothers with preterm neonates in Kamali Hospital, Karaj, Iran, in 2015.
The current cross sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted using the convenience sampling method on 115 mothers with preterm neonates. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, perceived maternal parenting self-efficacy (PMP S-E), and the Persian version of quality of life questionnaire. Then, the relationship of QoL with self-efficacy and some relevant factors was assessed.
In the current study, by increasing the self-efficacy, the QoL also increased. In other words, by one point increase in self-efficacy, the QoL increased 0.5 point. Level of income and maternal education were considered as the factors significantly influencing the increase of self-efficacy and QoL. In this regard, it seems that the employment of the mother and unwanted pregnancy were the indices that affected the reduction of self-efficacy and QoL scores.
According to the positive and direct relationship between self-efficacy and QoL that plays a significant role in different aspects of individuals’ social life, targeted therapeutic programs to promote self-efficacy and QoL in mothers with preterm infants should be planed.