Relationship Between Maternal Fear and Anxiety About COVID-19 and Maternal Role Attainment in Mothers of Preterm Neonates

Background: Mothers of preterm neonates are more concerned about their babies’ health than other mothers, which causes them to be worried and anxious. Meanwhile, the possibility of catching COVID-19 may increase their worries and anxiety and negatively affect their parenting roles. This study aims to determine the relationship between maternal fear and anxiety about COVID-19 and maternal role attainment in Iranian mothers with preterm neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted from June to July 2021 in 3 level-III NICUs in Tehran, Iran. The study samples were 211 mothers of preterm neonates who were recruited by convenience sampling. The study data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Coronavirus anxiety scale, the fear of COVID-19 scale, and the maternal role adaptation scale in NICUs. The obtained data were analyzed utilizing the independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, and the Pearson correlation coefficient in SPSS software, version 23. P