Effects of one period of tactile kinetic stimulations of preterm neonates on state anxiety of their mothers

Introduction: Mothers of preterm neonates face with more stress and anxiety in comparison with mothers of neonates born at term. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 10 days tactile kinetic stimulations by mothers of preterm neonates on maternal state anxiety. Materials and Methods: mothers and their preterm neonates (n=40) were purposefully selected from neonatal unit of Amiralmomenin hospital, Semnan, and randomly divided into two experimental and control groups. Mothers of experimental group were trained to conduct tactile kinetic stimulations on neonates, three times a day and each time for 20 minutes for 10 days, while the control group neonates received only usual care. Maternal anxiety was measured by Spielberger Inventory. Before and 10 days after intervention, questionnaire was completed by mothers and then the obtained data was compared together. Results: The results showed that the main effect of time and effect of interaction of time with intervention were significant (P≤0.001) and maternal anxiety of experimental group was significantly reduced at the end of intervention (P=0.029). Conclusion: It can be concluded that tactile kinetic stimulation is an affordable and beneficial way to reduce anxiety in mothers of preterm neonates