Family resiliency and family functioning in Non-Hispanic Black and Non-Hispanic White families of preterm infants

Post-discharge family resilience in premature infants and their mothers: A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Upon discharge, very low birth weight infants pose significant caregiving challenges for families. Family resilience is vital for managing stress and adapting to this new situation. However, research focussing on the resilience of families with premature infants returning home has been limited. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving care quality.

AIM

To investigate the influence of family resilience on very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, specifically examining social support, family functioning and parenting stress at 3 and 6 months of corrected age.

STUDY DESIGN

In this longitudinal study, we collected data from two medical centres in Northern Taiwan through convenience sampling. From December 2019 to September 2020, 51 mothers of VLBW or ELBW infants (birth weight = 540-1490 g) were included; they were assessed at 3 and 6 months of corrected age. The mothers completed questionnaires measuring family resilience, social support, family functioning and parenting stress. The data were analysed through multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

At 3 and 6 months of corrected age, the mothers demonstrated moderate-to-high levels of family resilience. The family resilience levels demonstrated no significant differences between the two follow-ups. Social support and parenting stress strongly predicted family resilience levels at both follow-ups.

CONCLUSION

This study sheds light on the crucial role of family resilience in coping with challenges during this critical period.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Nursing professionals' early recognition and support for family resilience can ensure post-discharge well-being for premature infants and their families.

Post-stroke family resilience is correlated with family functioning among stroke survivors: The mediating role of patient's coping and self-efficacy

AIM

Family resilience and healthy family functioning are crucial for stroke survivors' rehabilitation. This study aimed to determine the mediating effects of self-efficacy and confrontation coping on the relationship between family resilience and functioning among patients with first-episode stroke.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional design was applied.

METHODS

288 patients with first-episode stroke were recruited from 7 hospitals in Shangqiu and Shanghai, China, from July 2020 to October 2020. A shortened Chinese version of the Family Resilience Assessment Scale, family adaptation, partnership, growth, affection and resolve questionnaire, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire, and Self-efficacy for Chronic Disease 6-item Scale were used to collect the self-reported data. The relationships among the studied variables were studied using spearman correlation and structural equation model.

RESULTS

The average level of family functioning among stroke patients was 7.87 (SD = 2.32). About 26.8% (n = 76) of patients reported family dysfunction. The structural equation model showed that family resilience directly affected patients' satisfaction with family functioning (r = 0.406, p < 0.001) and indirectly affected the mediating role of patients' self-efficacy and confrontation coping style (r = 0.119, p < 0.001). The model was with good fit (χ2/df = 2.128, RMSEA = 0.065, GFI = 0.956, AGFI = 0.919, NFI = 0.949, and TLI = 0.956).

CONCLUSION

Family resilience and functioning among patients with first-episode stroke are positively associated with the mediating effects of the patients' confrontation coping style and self-efficacy between family resilience and functioning. The findings indicate that the professionals should pay special attention to families exhibiting poor family resilience or with patients who rarely use confrontation coping styles or with poor self-efficacy since they are more likely to suffer from low functioning.

Parenting Interventions Targeting Behavior for Children Born Preterm or Low Birth Weight: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review and summarize the outcomes of parenting interventions designed to improve child and/or parenting behavior for children born preterm and/or low birth weight (LBW).

METHODS

We conducted systematic searches of Embase, Scopus, PubMed, PsycInfo, and CINAHL in September 2021. We identified articles published at any time that describe the outcomes of parenting interventions targeting the child and/or parenting behavior of children born preterm/LBW and their caregivers. Two independent raters assessed the risk of bias using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool.

RESULTS

Eight hundred sixteen titles and abstracts were screened, followed by 71 full-text articles, resulting in 24 eligible articles reporting on nine interventions with 1,676 participants. Eligible articles had an adequate risk of bias ratings. Sample characteristics, intervention components, and intervention effects were tabulated and described narratively by the intervention type. Preventative and treatment programs demonstrated positive intervention effects on externalizing behavior, parenting stress, and parenting behaviors, with mixed effects on internalizing behavior and emotion regulation. The few studies with longitudinal follow-up found little evidence of effects beyond 6 months postintervention.

CONCLUSION

Behavior problems in children born preterm/LBW may be modifiable, and interventions targeting parenting behavior are promising. However, existing interventions may not produce long-lasting changes and are not designed for children older than four. Existing treatment programs may require adaptation for the neurocognitive, medical, and family needs of children born preterm/LBW (e.g., processing speed deficits, post-traumatic stress). Interventions that account for theories of sustained change may promote long-term effectiveness and the developmental tailoring of parenting skills.