LAUSR

Abstract Purpose To examine the association between parental and infant characteristics and parental stress in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods A Quantitative cross sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 376 parents with hospitalized infant in NICU was recruited. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the quantitative data, which include Infant Demographic Data Questionnaire, the Parent Demographic Data Questionnaire, and the Parental Stressor Scale: NICU. Findings Certain Infant characteristics are found to be significant factors that influence stress levels among parents. However infant gender did not significantly affect parental stress. Parent characteristics (parent age, parent gender, first baby experience, history of infertility, and medical history) have significant influence on stress levels among parents. Conclusions Certain parents and infants characteristics variables have an impact on the stress experienced by parents with their hospitalized infants in NICU. Clinical Implications: Knowing the relationship of certain parents and infants variables and stress level can help to focus on relevant parental and infant variables so that timely interventions to improve parents' well-being can be developed.