A. Mclean et al., Quality of life of mothers and families caring for preterm infants requiring home oxygen therapy: A brief report, J PAEDIAT C, 36(5), 2000, pp. 440-444
Objective: To investigate the impact on mothers and families of caring for
a premature infant receiving home oxygen therapy (HOT).
Methods: Standard questionnaires were used to compare the functioning of mo
thers and families of 10 premature infants receiving HOT, 10 premature infa
nts who were discharged from hospital on HOT but who no longer required it
and 20 premature infants who had never required treatment with HOT.
Results: After adjustment for gestational age, chronological age, birthweig
ht and place of residence (urban/rural), the care required by premature inf
ants receiving HOT had a significantly greater impact on their families tha
n the care of infants not receiving HOT. Mothers of premature infants recei
ving HOT reported significantly less vitality and more mental health proble
ms than mothers of infants not receiving HOT.
Conclusions: The use of HOT for premature infants may have a significant ad
verse impact on their mothers and families.