The effect of social support and optimism on depression in mothers of premature babies hospitalized in neonatal intensive care unit

Background: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of social support and optimism upon the level of depression among mothers of premature babies hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: This descriptive and relationship-seeking study was carried out between February and October 2022 with mothers of premature babies hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Clinic of a university hospital. The study was carried out with 152 mothers who met the inclusion criteria. The data were interpreted using percentage, mean, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Results: In the study, it was found that there was a statistically significant positive correlation between mothers' perception of social support and their level of optimism. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the level of depression and the level of optimism. The model established to determine the effect of social support and optimism on the level of depression was found to be statistically significant. Conclusions: In conclusion, it was found that mothers of premature infants with social support who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit had an increased level of optimism, and this optimism reduced the level of depression among the mothers. © 2024 Neonatal Nurses Association