The Perception of Family-Centered Care of Mothers With a Baby in NICU, and Their Attachment, Maternal Self-Efficacy, and Stress Levels

Background: – Family-centered care (FCC) is a holistic care model based on collaboration between health professionals and parents to meet the physical, emotional, social, and developmental needs of infants. Purpose: – This study was aimed at determining the relationship between the perception of FCC of mothers with babies staying in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and their attachment, maternal self-efficacy, and stress levels. Methods: – This descriptive correlational study was conducted with 304 mothers whose babies were hospitalized in NICU between September 2023 and February 2024. Results: – Maternal educational level influenced the family collaboration scores; infant feeding method and knowledge of kangaroo care were associated with the information sharing and participation in care scores. In addition, maternal employment status, family type, length of hospital stay, and kangaroo care affected the dignity and respect scores. Maternal employment status also influenced the total Family-Centered Care Scale (FCCS) score. The scores obtained from the overall Family-Centered Care Scale in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in NICU were not affected by factors such as attachment, maternal self-efficacy, and stress levels. The results of the study indicate that the participants’ perception of FCC was at a good level and that the level of self-efficacy increased and the stress level decreased as the level of mother–infant attachment increased. Implications for Practice and Research: – Educating NICU staff on FCC and regularly gathering parent feedback may improve care quality and highlight areas needing attention. Future studies are necessary for the development and dissemination of the perceptions of FCC in NICUs.