Effects of a virtual supportive program on the knowledge of mothers of preterm infants and their bonding
2
Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
01639641
eISSN
10970355
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105004358777
Pubmed ID
40275554
Journal Title
Infant Mental Health Journal
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Infant Mental Health Journal (2025)
Suggested Citation
Pusri S., Payakkaraung S., Thampanichawat W. Effects of a virtual supportive program on the knowledge of mothers of preterm infants and their bonding. Infant Mental Health Journal (2025). doi:10.1002/imhj.70013 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/110118
Title
Effects of a virtual supportive program on the knowledge of mothers of preterm infants and their bonding
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Author's Affiliation
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Abstract
This quasi-experimental study examined the effect of a virtual supportive program on knowledge among mothers of preterm infants and their bond. Mothers of preterm infants are at risk of becoming emotionally detached from their infants because of immediate separation and the lack of support during the early postpartum period, especially in mothers who cannot visit their infant regularly. To the best of our knowledge, no study in Thailand has examined the effects of virtual support for these mothers, as most scholars have focused on promoting mother–infant interaction to improve bonding and enhancing mothers’ knowledge about their infant before discharge. This study recruited 74 mothers with preterm infants receiving neonatal intensive and intermediate care in Thailand. The participants were matched to mothers according to their infants’ gestational ages and assigned into the following two groups: experimental group receiving virtual support, and control group receiving routine care. The results showed that the virtual supportive program significantly improved mothers’ knowledge on preterm infants’ cues and maternal roles as well as mother–infant bonding. Consistent support during the first week of visitation was essential, especially in providing information about premature infants and emotional support, to improve mother–infant bonding.