Nurses’ experiences of managing maternal anxiety during kangaroo mother care: A qualitative study in the neonatal intensive care units

Table 1 Descriptive characteristics of participants (n = 15), n (%)/median (interquartile rage)

Characteristics
Gender
Female	13 (86.7)
Male	2 (13.3)
Educational level
High school	1 (6.7)
Bachelor’s degree	5 (33.3)
Master’s degree	7 (46.6)
Doctorate	2 (13.4)
Age (years)	27 (25-30)
Professional experience (years)	6 (1.5-10)
NICU experience (years)	4.5 (1-10)

NICU: Neonatal intensive care unit.

Table 2 Themes and subthemes related to the management of maternal anxiety during kangaroo mother care

Main themes	Subthemes
Manifestations and indicators of maternal anxiety	(1) Fear of harming the infant; (2) Fear related to medical devices and technology; (3) Somatic symptoms; and (4) Emotional expressions
Effects of anxiety on the care process	(1) Anxiety as a barrier to participation; (2) Negative impact on care quality and continuity; and (3) Situations in which anxiety does not affect the process/motivational effects
Nurses’ management strategies	(1) Information provision and therapeutic communication; (2) Utilization of paternal support; (3) Peer/role modeling (exposure to experienced mothers); and (4) Gradual familiarization and allowing time
Effects on nurses	(1) Professional satisfaction and fulfillment; (2) Happiness/pleasure associated with successful care; and (3) Feeling of being a “healing/therapeutic agent”
Clinical requirements and recommendations	(1) Improvements in the physical environment; (2) Nurse education and orientation programs; (3) Institutional mentorship and experience sharing; and (4) Establishment of parent support groups