Factors associated with maternal visitation and participation in skin-to-skin care in an all referral level IIIc NICU.

AIM: To identify variables associated with maternal visitation and participation in skin-to-skin care (SSC) with their extremely premature (<27 weeks) neonate.
METHODS: In an all referral level IIIc, 32 extremely premature neonates and their mothers were studied. Standardized instruments were the Parental Stressor Scale: NICU and the Parent-Staff Communication Rating Scale. Unstandardized Tools included a self-report demographics sheet and a self-report parent SSC log.
RESULTS: Using regression analysis, two factors were identified that were significantly associated with the amount of time that mothers visit and participate in SSC: the amount and type of stress that mothers experience and their perceived level of communication with medical staff.
CONCLUSION: Future interventions for increasing SSC should involve education about the NICU environment and neonatal behaviour along with methods for enhancing communication between mothers and healthcare providers. ©2012 The Author(s)/Acta Paediatrica ©2012 Foundation Acta Paediatrica.