Abstract
Author(s): Aneta Libera, Bożena LeszczyÅska-Gorzelak, Jan Oleszczuk
Aim. The aim of this study is to analyze the level and structure of prematurity stress experienced by women after premature labor as well as to indicate the desired influence of psychological and medical interactions on preventing negative psychological effects of prematurity trauma among mothers. Material and methods. The analysis was carried out on the basis of the study among 96 patients after preterm delivery. The following methods were used: Parental Stressor Scale: NICU (SSR:OITN) and personal data questionnaire. Results. The obtained results show that a woman facing prematurity experiences stress connected with three factors: child’s clinical condition and medical procedures, personal and interpersonal problems as well as parental competence. The highest level of stress is connected with medical aspects of prematurity whereas relationship with a child and parental competence tend to be the least stress-generating factors. Conclusions. The results contribute to a better understanding of the way in which women experience stress after premature labor in the postnatal period and, hence, indicate effective medical-psychological-therapeutic support aiming at the reduction of the level of experienced trauma. Furthermore, the SSR:OITN Scale is suggested as one of the basic methods to identify difficulties experienced by women after premature labor.