The Effect of Individualized Developmental Care Education

This study aims to evaluate the effect of individualized developmental care education provided to mothers of premature infants on maternal self-efficacy and maternal-infant attachment. Premature birth can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience for mothers, which may negatively impact their self-confidence and ability to establish an emotional bond with their baby.

Structured and individualized developmental care education provided in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) enhances mothers' knowledge and promotes their active participation in the care process, thereby strengthening their maternal roles. Increased self-efficacy helps mothers to take a more active and conscious role in their infant's care, while stronger maternal attachment plays a critical role in the infant's emotional and neurodevelopmental health.

Therefore, the integration and dissemination of such supportive educational interventions within the healthcare system are essential steps that can positively influence both maternal and infant health outcomes.

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Key information

Conditions

Premature Attachment Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Maternal Obstetric Labor Complications Obstetric Labor, Premature Pregnancy Complications Premature Birth Self Efficacy Urogenital Diseases

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Emel Avçin

Yalova, 77200, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

The mother must have a premature baby born between 22 and 32 weeks gestation, admitted to a level 3 NICU.
The baby's stay in the level 3 NICU must be at least one month.
The mother must not have any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.
The baby must not have severe congenital anomalies incompatible with life.
The mother must be literate and open to communication.
The mother must be willing and volunteer to participate in the research.

Exclusion criteria

The baby's stay in the NICU must be at least one month.

Treatment and study plan

Individualized Developmental Care Education Group

Behavioral

An educational program will be implemented for the mothers in the intervention group throughout the hospitalization period of their premature infants, in line with the objectives of the study.

P1:Pretests for the mothers will be completed within the first three days of the infant's admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Mothers will be given a brochure titled "Your Premature Baby", prepared by the researcher, which includes information about the NICU and its staff, visiting hours/conditions, and breast milk expression times.

P2:Education will be provided on the characteristics, feeding, and care of premature infants.

P3:Mothers will receive training on environmental regulations (temperature, light, sound), kangaroo care,non-nutritive sucking, and parent-infant interaction. Each training session will be delivered each lasting no longer than 30-45 minutes.

P4:A final training session will be provided on home care for the premature infant.

Primary outcomes

Self-Efficacy

Time frame: The first three days of hospitalization and one month after hospitalization

Pretests will be administered within the first three days of the mother's admission to the hospital with her premature infant, and posttests will be conducted at the end of the first month. The General Self-Efficacy Scale consists of 17 items. The total score can range from 17 to 85; higher scores indicate a greater belief in self-efficacy.
Maternal Attachment Levels

Time frame: The first three days of hospitalization and one month after hospitalization

Pretests will be administered within the first three days of the mother's admission to the hospital with her premature infant, and posttests will be conducted at the end of the first month. The Maternal Attachment Scale consists of 26 items. The total score can range from 26 to 104; higher scores indicate a stronger level of maternal attachment.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Yalova

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Individualized Developmental Care Education Given to Mothers of Premature Infants on Maternal Self-Efficacy and Attachment Levels

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: May 6, 2025
Registry last updated: Feb 18, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed