Determinants of Anxiety among Mothers of Infants in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit: Role of Family Physicians on Coping with the Stressors

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to establish the stressing factors and expectations of mothers from newborn intensive care unit (NICU) staff and the complimentary role of family physicians on maternal coping with the stress. Methods: Study was conducted in 78 mothers of NICU patients in Eskisehir Osmangazi University. Socio-demographic characteristics and prenatal, follow up of pregnancy and postnatal period were recorded. General health questionnaire and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were assessed. Results: The most common reason for infants to be admitted to the NICU was prematurity. Mothers’ psychological stress levels depend on so many variables. There were 41 mothers who visit and hold their babies effects depresssion and anxiety and as the hospital stay prolonged and gestational age decreased, mothers’ anxiety and depression increased. High anxiety related factors among the mothers were appearance of their small, fragile baby. When mothers’ educational status was higher, depression and anxiety levels decreased. Maternal age did not affect anxiety levels and depression. Presence of abortions or stillbirth in previous pregnancies increased mothers state anxiety levels. Conclusion: Birth of a premature infant or an infant with congenital anomaly is to be seen as an ongoing traumatic life event, where psychotherapeutic support is to be recommended. In Turkey family practice application has been established. Family physicians after the birth, of a high risk infant; mothers and babies follow-up plan could be coordinated and because of increased frequency of mothers’ anxiety and acute mental disorders, family physician should follow the families at close range this period of time.