Factors shaping the level of knowledge about prematurity in parents affected by this problem

Abstract

Introduction. The arrival of a child into the world is a cause of great joy and happiness for parents. Everything changes when the birth occurs before the planned date. Parents are accompanied by a sense of anxiety and helplessness. They feel lost and frightened, especially when the child ends up in the intensive care unit, where it fights for life. They are taken care of by medical staff, who educate, support, and provide appropriate guidance on care. Education is provided depending on the assessment of the parent’s knowledge.

Aim. The purpose of this study is to assess the level of knowledge of parents of children born prematurely and hospitalized in the departments of the Department of Neonatology. An attempt was made to distinguish factors affecting the level of knowledge regarding prematurity.

Material and methods. The study included a group of 174 parents (including 162 mothers and 12 fathers). The age of the respondents ranged from 22 to 54 years. The average age of the respondents was 32 years. The study used a diagnostic survey method, using a survey questionnaire of our own design. The tool used 30 questions aimed at both mothers and fathers.

Results. Statistical analysis of the collected material confirmed the existence of an association that parents with a higher level of education show a high level of knowledge about the causes of preterm labor, preterm birth and complications associated with this period. Other respondents had general knowledge of neonatal unit procedures such as surfactant administration, kangarooing, and lactation, regardless of place of residence or age. Most of the respondents pointed to foundations as the most common source of help and support for parents of premature babies.

Conclusions. Parents with higher education represented a higher level of knowledge about the causes of preterm birth, preterm birth and complications associated with this period. In contrast, multiparents in the conducted own study did not show a statistically higher level of knowledge than mothers having their first child. The respondents surveyed have general knowledge of procedures in neonatal units and this did not depend on place of residence or age, but those with higher education and having a child with a birth weight of less than 1500 grams showed more detailed knowledge of this topic. Nurses and midwives played an important supportive and educational role towards parents. In addition to this, foundations were an important source of support and assistance in the opinions of respondents, so it would be appropriate to spread knowledge of the various forms of support and encourage cooperation with them.