Análisis de la calidad de vida de los progenitores de recién nacidos ingresados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate and compare the health-related quality of life of parents of newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, during neonatal hospitalization and at home, and to identify the factors that influence it by analyzing sex differences.

Method

Observational, prospective, and analytical study conducted with 92 parents of 46 newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the PedsQL-FIM 2.0 questionnaire at three different time points. Sociodemographic variables of the parents and clinical data of the newborns, including the use of medical devices, were recorded. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee, and statistical analysis was performed using the Jamovi® v.2.3.13 software.

Results

The mean age of the parents was 35,41 ± 6,20 years; 51,32% were women. No correlation was found between age and quality of life at any of the time points, but differences were observed by sex in emotional well-being during intensive care (P = .007), physical health and activities during hospitalization (P = .01), and daily activities at home (P = .01). Quality of life was negatively associated with the duration of medical device use, both in intensive care and during hospitalization.

Conclusions

Age does not influence the quality of life of parents. However, women showed lower scores in emotional well-being and cognitive function. Prolonged use of medical devices is associated with poorer quality of life, which improves as the newborn's health condition evolves favorably.