Cheryl Tatano Beck1, Lisa Harrison2. 1. 1 Cheryl Tatano Beck, DNSc, CNM, FAAN, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA. 2. 2 Lisa Harrison, MSN, PMHNP, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Globally the preterm birth rate for 184 countries in 2010 was 11.1%. Preterm births can be a traumatic experience for mothers. OBJECTIVE: This article provides a mixed research synthesis of the quantitative and qualitative studies on posttraumatic stress in mothers who have given birth prematurely. DESIGN: Narrative synthesis was the mixed research synthesis approach used. RESULTS: Included in this narrative synthesis were quantitative prevalence studies ( n = 19), quantitative intervention studies ( n = 6), and qualitative studies ( n = 5). Prevalence rates ranged from 14% to 79%. Four of the intervention studies had significant results and two did not. Qualitative data synthesis revealed five themes: (a) shocked and horrified, (b) consuming guilt, (c) pervasive anxiety and hypervigilance, (d) intrusive thoughts, and (e) numbing and avoiding reminders. CONCLUSIONS: Women's traumatic experiences of preterm birth are clearly important issues for psychiatric nurses to address.
BACKGROUND: Globally the preterm birth rate for 184 countries in 2010 was 11.1%. Preterm births can be a traumatic experience for mothers. OBJECTIVE: This article provides a mixed research synthesis of the quantitative and qualitative studies on posttraumatic stress in mothers who have given birth prematurely. DESIGN: Narrative synthesis was the mixed research synthesis approach used. RESULTS: Included in this narrative synthesis were quantitative prevalence studies ( n = 19), quantitative intervention studies ( n = 6), and qualitative studies ( n = 5). Prevalence rates ranged from 14% to 79%. Four of the intervention studies had significant results and two did not. Qualitative data synthesis revealed five themes: (a) shocked and horrified, (b) consuming guilt, (c) pervasive anxiety and hypervigilance, (d) intrusive thoughts, and (e) numbing and avoiding reminders. CONCLUSIONS:Women's traumatic experiences of preterm birth are clearly important issues for psychiatric nurses to address.