The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Stress and Breastfeeding Self-efficacy in Mothers of Premature Infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care unit of Tabriz Medical Hospitals in 2021

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Hospitalization of premature infants causes maternal stress and stress can be a factor in reducing breastfeeding self-efficacy in mothers. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and stress and breastfeeding self-efficacy in mothers of preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was performed with the participation of 320 mothers of premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Sampling was done by considering the inclusion criteria available to all interested parties to participate in the study from March 2021 to September 2021 and questionnaires of demographic-social characteristics, perceived stress PSS14 (Perceived Stress Scale -14), Denis breastfeeding self-efficacy and also Sharing emotional intelligence was completed by participants. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24 and descriptive and Pearson or Spearman correlation tests. The value (P< 0.05) was considered significant. Results: The results of the present study showed that the mean (SD) score of emotional intelligence ranged from 33 to 165 is 85.82 (17.53), perceived stress from 0 to 56, 23.31 (7.63) and breastfeeding self-efficacy from 33 to 165 is 122.33( 20.11) also showed that there was a significant and positive correlation between perceived stress and emotional intelligence of participating mothers (r = 0.76 and P001/0>), while no significant relationship was found between stress and breastfeeding self-efficacy (r = 0.004 and P = 0.95). Also, no significant relationship was observed between emotional intelligence and breastfeeding self-efficacy (r = 0.009 and P = 0.89). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, there is a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and perceived stress, so educational centers can train capable and skilled nurses depending on their circumstances and facilities, by supporting mothers of premature infants and strengthening emotional intelligence. Enable them to be safe from stress and to control their emotions.