Family functioning among preterm infants in the NICU from the perspective of social ecosystem theory: a qualitative study
10.3760/cma.j.cn211501-20240412-00881
- VernacularTitle:社会生态系统理论视角下新生儿重症监护室早产儿家庭功能的质性研究
- Author:
Qing ZHANG
1
;
Xuemei ZHOU
;
Qiugui HUO
;
Weiwei DAI
;
Wenyan ZHANG
Author Information
1. 苏州大学附属儿童医院血液科，苏州 215025
- Keywords:
Qualitative research;
Family functioning;
Social ecosystem theory;
Intensive care unit, neonatal;
Infant, premature;
Caregivers
- From:
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing
2024;40(31):2442-2448
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the impact of the birth of preterm infants on their family functioning, and to provide a reference for the formulation of targeted intervention programs.Methods:Based on the socio ecosystem theory, phenomenological research methods and objective sampling were used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 16 preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Children′s Hospital of Soochow University from September 2023 to January 2024, who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the Colaizzi 7-step analysis method was used to analyze the interview data.Results:All 16 caregivers of the NICU preterm infants who participated in the interviews were the infants′ mothers, aged from 26 to 34 years. A total of 3 themes and 10 sub-themes were summarized. The micro system: physical and mental exhaustion coexisted with role growth of caregivers (physical and mental health was affected, positive experience after psychological adjustment, and adaptation to role change). The intermediate system: family relationship mode change (family satisfaction decreased, family difficulties affected family harmony, family communication content changed, family harmony and conflict coexisted, and family conflict resolution was actively resolved). The outer system: social support system needed to be improved (benefited from social support and not yet perceived external support).Conclusions:Medical staff can improve the multiple support system and provide continuous and personalized family support, so as to improve the family adjustment ability and improve the family functioning of preterm infants in the NICU.
