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Impact of Kangaroo Mother Care on Reducing Stress and Depression Risk among Mothers of Premature Infants in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, 2024-2025

nursing
public-health
womens-health

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression and maternal stress are common among mothers of premature infants, particularly when infants require prolonged admission to neonatal intensive care units. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), involving early, prolonged skin-to-skin contact and the promotion of breastfeeding, is recognized as a low-cost, evidence–based intervention that may enhance maternal psychological well-being. The study aimed to assess the association between KMC practice and levels of perceived stress and depressive symptoms among mothers of preterm infants in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 102 mothers of premature infants at King Fahd Military Medical Complex between June and December 2024. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire including sociodemographic information, items on KMC knowledge and practice, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the Arabic Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Pearson correlation, and binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. A p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Most mothers reported moderate stress (77.5%), and 23.5% demonstrated depressive symptoms based on the EPDS. A significant positive correlation was found between PSS and EPDS scores (r=0.624, p < 0.001), highlighting the interconnected nature of stress and depression. Logistic regression indicated that higher perceived stress was a significant predictor of depressive symptoms. Knowledge about KMC was limited, with nearly half of the participants reporting no prior awareness of the method.

Conclusions: KMC practice was associated with lower depressive symptoms among mothers of premature infants. The strong relationship between stress and depression underscores the need for integrated maternal mental health support in NICU settings. Implementation of structured KMC education, staff training, and supportive hospital policies may enhance maternal well-being and promote family–centered neonatal care in Saudi Arabia.

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