Knowledge of low birth weight care as a source of coping strategies for mothers: Cross sectional study in perinatology WARD'S

The lack of information on infant care can cause stress, contributing to poor coping strategies of mothers of low birth weight (LBW) infants. This study aimed to examine the relationship between knowledge on LBW infant care and mothers' coping strategies. Sixty mothers of LBW infants admitted to the perinatology ward, selected through a quota sampling method, participated in this study. The inclusion criteria were all mothers who have LBW infants with the following condition without congenital defects, not using respiratory aids, and able to drink orally. Data were collected through interviews using a three-part questionnaire: parental demographics and infant characteristics, the Maternal Knowledge Score, and the Coping Strategy Scale. A multiple linear regression analysis was employed using SPSS software version 20. The final model of analysis showed that after controlling for the stress level, a significant correlation existed between maternal knowledge on LBW infant care and coping strategies, implying that increased knowledge and decreased stress levels will improve mothers' coping. Therefore, it is recommended that nurses provide mothers and families with active and proactive learning opportunities through health education programs on infant care, which can increase the mothers’ confidence and improve their coping strategies.