Effect of a Play-based Intervention on the Anxiety of Mothers of Premature Babies Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective The present study aims to examine the effect of a play-based intervention on the anxiety of mothers of premature babies admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Materials & Methods This is a non-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial. The participants were recruited from among the mothers of premature babies (<37 weeks) admitted to the NICU of Hazrat-e Ali Asghar Hospital and divided into two groups of intervention (n=20) and control (n=20) using the block randomization method. They were 20-35 years old with at least a high school diploma. Their babies had stable physiological conditions with no physical disorders or specific diseases. The anxiety of mothers was measured by Spielberger's State-Trait anxiety inventory (STAI) before study and two days after discharge. The intervention group received the play-based program for their babies at least once a day, for at least 5 days until discharge. The control group received routine hospital care.Results Independent t-test results showed no significant difference in the scores of STAI and its domains between the two groups before and after the intervention. However, mean difference of pre-and post-scores of total STAI and state anxiety domain was significant in two groups (P<0.05), but it was not significant in terms of trait anxiety (P>0.05). The ANCOVA results showed that the effect size of intervention on state anxiety (P=0.001) and total anxiety score (P=0.004) was 27% and 20%, respectively.Conclusion The play-based intervention, can reduce the anxiety of mothers of premature babies admitted to the NICU and consequently affect the growth of children and mental health of family and society.

Automated summary

This study aimed to examine the effect of a play-based intervention on the anxiety of mothers of premature babies admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The participants were divided into intervention and control groups, with the intervention group receiving the play-based program for their babies and the control group receiving routine hospital care. The results showed that the play-based intervention can reduce the anxiety of mothers of premature babies in the NICU.