Perceived maternal information on premature infant’s pain during hospitalization: the French EPIPAGE-2 national cohort study

Abstract

Background Parents of preterm neonates wish greater involvement in pain management; little is known about factors associated with this involvement. We aim to describe perceived maternal information on infants’ pain during hospitalization (PMIP), to study associations between PMIP and mothers’ attitudes during painful procedures, and to identify individual and contextual factors associated with PMIP. Methods Analyses of questionnaires from the French national cohort study of preterm neonates, EPIPAGE-2. PMIP was derived from mothers’ answers to questions about information perceived on both pain assessment and management. Results Among 3056 eligible neonates born before 32 weeks, 1974, with available maternal reports, were included in the study. PMIP was classified as “sufficient,” “little, not sufficient,” or “insufficient, or none” for 22.7, 45.9, and 31.3% of neonates, respectively. Mothers reporting PMIP as “sufficient” were more frequently present and more likely comforting their child during painful procedures. Factors independently associated with “sufficient” PMIP were high maternal education, gestational age <29 weeks, daily maternal visits, perception of high team support, and implementation of the neonatal and individualized developmental care and assessment program. Conclusion Perceived maternal information on premature infants’ pain reported as sufficient increased maternal involvement during painful procedures and was associated with some units’ policies.