Supportive nursing interventions reduce stress for mothers of NICU infants in meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The experience of having newborn admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is one that can be incredibly challenging for parents, particularly mothers. PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of supportive nursing interventions defined as structured emotional support, informational counseling, and parent‑education sessions delivered by NICU nursing staff on anxiety, depression, and stress among mothers of NICU infants. METHODS: We systematically reviewed 22 studies, encompassing 1877 participants, that reported on the effects of supportive nursing interventions for stress reduction among mothers with infants in NICU. Pooled standard mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q statistic and I2 index. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on study design and type of intervention. RESULTS: Supportive nursing interventions produced a significant reduction in maternal NICU‑related stress (SMD = -1.285, 95% CI: -1.766 to -0.804; P < .001), indicating that mothers receiving these interventions experienced lower stress than controls. However, substantial heterogeneity was observed ( I2  = 95.2%), reflecting variations in intervention format, measurement scales, and clinical settings. Subgroup analyses indicated a larger effect in nonrandomized trials (SMD = -2.16) versus randomized controlled trials (SMD = -0.99), and educational support interventions produced greater stress reduction (SMD = -1.61) than other forms of support (SMD = -0.83). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Supportive nursing interventions significantly reduce stress among mothers with infants in NICU. Tailored personalized support interventions, considering individual and cultural nuances, may further enhance the efficacy of these interventions. Future research should focus on identifying the most effective components of these interventions and ensuring their broader implementation in NICU settings.