Assessment Of The Experiences And Symptoms Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among The Mothers Of Premature Neonates In Selected Hospitals Of District Patiala (Punjab)

Aim: To assess the experiences and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder among the mothers of premature neonates in selected hospitals of District Patiala (Punjab). Material and methods- A descriptive study was conducted at selected hospitals of district Patiala (Punjab) on 30 mothers having premature neonate selected by purposive sampling technique. Semi-structured interview schedule and PTSD checklist was used for collection of data. Results-The results of study showed that mothers were encountered with some pleasant and unpleasant experiences of having a premature neonate. Having a neonate born preterm is dominated by feelings of fear for well-being of new-born and sadness. Feelings of closeness to the neonates were important whereas separation from neonate increases the unpleasant experiences for mothers. Family members were also affected as they were also in tension and worried for the neonate‘s health. 76.67% of mothers showed the PTSD symptoms. Significant negative (r= -0.531) relationship was found between pleasant experiences and PTSD symptoms and positive (r= 0.465) relationship between unpleasant experiences and PTSD symptoms. There was significant association of PTSD symptoms with gender of neonate and monthly family income. Conclusion-Study concluded that premature birth can be traumatic event for mothers and unexpected childbirth makes them encounter with pleasant and unpleasant experiences. More unpleasant experiences increase the risk for PTSD development whereas pleasant experiences decrease the risk.