Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-2023
Publisher
Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Source Publication
Advances in Neonatal Care
Source ISSN
1536-0903
Original Item ID
DOI: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000001112
Abstract
Background:
Stress from preterm infant admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is associated with infant and maternal physiologic changes, including endocrine and epigenetic alterations. Little is known about the mechanisms connecting NICU stress to biologic changes, and whether preterm infant and maternal stress are reciprocal. As a preliminary step, feasibility and acceptability of measuring indicators of stress are required.
Purpose:
This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of research examining perceptions and biologic markers of stress in premature infant–maternal dyads during and after NICU hospitalization.
Methods:
We evaluated study feasibility using a longitudinal descriptive design. Acceptability was measured via a maternal questionnaire. Exploratory data regarding hospitalization, perceptions of stress, social support and social determinants of health, and biologic markers of stress were collected during the first week of life and again 3 months after NICU.
Results:
Forty-eight mothers were eligible for the study, 36 mothers were approached, 20 mothers consented to participate, and 14 mothers completed data collection. Mothers reported high levels of study acceptability despite also voicing concern about the sharing of genetic data. Exploration of DNA methylation of SLC6A4 in preterm infants was significant for a strong correlation with perception of total chronic stress.
Implications for Practice and Research:
Clinical practice at the bedside in the NICU should include standardized screening for and early interventions to minimize stress. Complex research of stress is feasible and acceptable. Future research should focus on linking early life stress with epigenetic alterations and evaluation of the dyad for reciprocity.
Recommended Citation
Malin, Kathryn J.; Kruschel, Kristin; Gondwe, Kaboni W.; Lagatta, Joanne; Carter, C. Sue; Nazarloo, Hossein P.; Conley, Yvette P.; and White-Traut, Rosemary, "Feasibility of Stress Research in Premature Infant–Maternal Dyads During and After Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Hospitalization" (2023). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 1003.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/1003
Comments
Accepted version. Advances in Neonatal Care, Vol. 23, No. 6 (December 2023): 583-595. DOI. © 2023 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. Used with permission.