The change of anxiety and attachment in the parents whose babies are hospitalized in neonatal intensive care unit more than one month: the questionnaire survey at one week and at one month old.

Abstract

 【Purpose】The purpose of this study is to identify the temporally change of parents’ anxiety and attachment for the babies hospitalized in neonatal intensive care unit（NICU）.

 【Method】The survey was conducted between May 1st and December 31st in 2016 at three NICUs in Kyoto and Osaka prefecture in Japan. Data were collected through the questionnaire from fifty-five parents whose babies were either premature or those with congenital disorders. Data of twenty four parents of twelve infants were analyzed. Parents were asked to answer questions at one week and one month after birth. The questionnaire includes anxiety, attachment and open questions. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committees in each hospital.

 【Result】In the total score through the questionnaire, parental attachment did not change from a week after birth to one month. In addition, parents’ anxiety had decreased from a week after birth to one month. The anxiety scores negatively correlated with gestational age at birth. At one month, mothers were more eager to attend procedures and cares provided to their babies compared to fathers.

 【Conclusion】In this prospective study, the attachment of parents whose babies were hospitalized in NICU did not increase within one month while their anxiety decreased in one month. It is crucial for medical workers to be aware of this change and their need to provide best support for parents in NICU.