Efficacy of a multimodal nursing intervention strategy in the process of becoming a mother: A randomized controlled trial

Identifier:  imarina:9173274

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9173274

Authors:  Vargas-Porras, Carolina; Roa-Diaz, Zayne M; Hernandez-Hincapie, Hernan G; Ferre-Grau, Carme; de Molina-Fernandez, Maria I

Abstract:
© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC The lack of knowledge and skills for transitioning to motherhood places first-time mothers at greater risk of depression and stress, may lower their perceived self-efficacy and satisfaction with the maternal role, and potentially affects the mother–infant bond. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a multimodal nursing intervention (AMACOMPRI), based on Mercer's Becoming a Mother Theory, in supporting the process of becoming a mother in first-time mothers of term infants. This study was a parallel-group, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial with a 4-month postpartum follow-up. The outcome measures were the process of becoming a mother, functional social support, mother–infant bond, and perceived maternal self-efficacy. Sixty-six first-time mothers completed the study: 33 in the intervention group and 33 in the control group. The intervention was effective in supporting the process of becoming a mother, with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.50) and higher scores on the Becoming-a-Mother Scale in the intervention group compared with the control group (intergroup difference 13.04 points; 95% confidence interval: 8.72–17.34). Participants in the intervention group demonstrated higher scores in functional social support, perceived maternal self-efficacy, and mother–infant bond. This study provides evidence for the efficacy of an innovative nursing intervention that supports the process of becoming a mother. Further testing of the intervention is required in different settings and first-time mothers of low and high risk newborns.