Psychological Impact of the Hospital Stay: The Experience of Mothers of Newborns Hospitalized In Neonatology at Gabriel Toure Hospital

Short Communication

J Pediatr & Child Health Care. 2023; 8(1): 1059.

Psychological Impact of the Hospital Stay: The Experience of Mothers of Newborns Hospitalized In Neonatology at Gabriel Toure Hospital

Traoré F¹; Maiga B¹; Sacko K¹; Marianne ZD¹; Diarra M²; Coulibaly S³; Konaté D¹; Sidibé LN¹; Traoré K¹; Diall H¹; Coulibaly O¹; Togo P¹; Cissé ME¹; Doumbia AK¹; Simaga T¹; Diakité AA¹; Dicko-Traoré F¹; Togo B¹; Sylla M¹

¹Pediatric Department, CHU Gabriel Toure, Bamako-Mali

²Secondary Hospital Kalabancoro

³Secondary Hospital Commune IV

*Corresponding author: Fousseyni Traore Department of Pediatric, CHU Gabriel Toure, Bamako-Mali. Email: drfousseynitraore@gmail.com

Received: February 03, 2023 Accepted: April 09, 2023 Published: May 16, 2023

Abstract

Hospitalization of newborns leads to tricky psychological concerns. Creating a therapeutic alliance between parents and caregivers is necessary for a optimal care.

Objectives: To assess the psychological impact on mothers of newborns hospitalized in the neonatology department of the Gabriel Touré University Hospital.

Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective study conducted over a six-month period (from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2020). The questionnaire was completed by interviewing mothers of newborns hospitalized in neonatology. Data were collected and analyzed on SPSS.

Results: The age range of 15-25 years was most represented in our survey with 62%. Ninety-six (96%) of the mothers used to be married and 58% attended school. The welcoming at admittance was acceptable in 62% of cases. All the mothers had consented to the hospitalisation of their newborns. Unfortunately, sadness, fear and anxiety were the most common complaints of the mothers (36%, 28% and 20% respectively). Organization of the department was rated as poor by 96% of mothers, and 58% of those mothers could not identify the function of the healthcare staff during their hospital stay. Access to caregivers was considered unsatisfactory in 54% of respondents.

The diagnosis was explained in 72% of cases and 76% of mothers were involved in caring for their child. Sleep disturbances were noted in 32% of the interviewees. The majority of them had a negative opinion of the hospital stay (74%).

Conclusion: Parental support during hospitalization and throughout medical care is crucial to the well-being of the newly born child. The enhancement of communication with the parents of newborns is required for an effective as well as efficient care.

Keywords: Psychological impact; Mothers; Nnewborns; Mali

Introduction

A newborn's hospitalization in a NICU is an unexpected and stressful event for the family. The hospital stay produces significant psychological and emotional distress for their parents [1]. The depressive symptoms of the mothers in this setting have a negative effect on the mother-infant partnership, especially after a preterm birth. The involvement of parents in neonatal services remains difficult to achieve, resulting in frustration, disappointment or conflict between medical providers and parents. These negative relationships with caregivers contribute to parental stress. In addition to these difficulties, there are many concerns about the evolution of the health condition of the newborn and, in some cases, the risk of potential sequelae [2]. The management of this anxiety is inseparable from the activity of the pediatrician and all those who care for or interact with sick children. The assistance and support role of the nursing staff with the parents is essential for effective management of the illness. A survey on the psychological impact of the mothers in neonatology can provide some understanding of their suffering. It can also identify suitable solutions for a hospital stay in appropriate settings.

Citation: Traoré F, Maiga B, Sacko K, Konaté D, Sidibé LN, et al. Psychological Impact of the Hospital Stay: The Experience of Mothers of Newborns Hospitalized In Neonatology at Gabriel Toure Hospital. J Pediatr & Child Health Care. 2023; 8(1): 1059.