The Effect of Problem-Solving-Approach-Based Counselling on Maternal Role Adaptation in Women with Late Preterm Infant: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Introduction: Mothers with preterm infants experience numerous stressful problems which can have negative effects on maternal role adaptation. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of consultation using a problem-solving approach on adaptation to the maternal role in women with late preterm infants. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was carried out on 80 women with spontaneous late preterm infants recruited at Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital of Zanjan. Using convenience sampling method, the participants were assigned into two groups of intervention and control according to block design. Taking a problem-solving approach, counselling was carried out individually in four sessions. The control group received only routine care. The data were collected using adaptation to maternal role questionnaire including 33 items based on a five-point Likert scale ranging in seven areas, in two steps (before counselling and one month after the last counselling session). Data analysis was performed using the SPSS ver. 16.0 software (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL). Results: The total score of adaptations to maternal role and its areas was significantly higher in the intervention group after the follow-up period. Conclusion: A comprehensive counselling including various dimensions of maternity adaptation had a positive effect on improving the adaptation to maternal role in mothers with late preterm infants.