Effectiveness of "Parent Empowerment" program on anxiety and stress in mothers who have preterm infants hospitalized in NICUs

To evaluate the effectiveness of Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment (COPE) program on psychological conditions of mothers of preterm infants hospitalized in NICUs of hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.

A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 90 mothers of premature infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care units. COPE mothers received 2 intervention sessions of audiotaped and written materials with workbook. Duration between sessions was 2 to 4 days.

Mothers in the creating opportunities for parent empowerment program reported significantly less stress and anxiety (P<0.001).

Creating opportunities for parent empowerment program diminished mothers stress and anxiety. This study showed that early interventions during neonatal hospitalization and educational behavioral information in written form may have positive effect on maternal psychological condition.