Quality of life of mothers and families caring for preterm infants requiring home oxygen therapy: A brief report

Citation
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
Citations number
11
Categorie Soggetti
Pediatrics
Journal title
JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH
ISSN journal
10344810 → ACNP
Volume
36
Issue
5
Year of publication
2000
Pages
440 - 444
Database
ISI
SICI code
1034-4810(200010)36:5<440:QOLOMA>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
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.