Effectiveness of Interventions Supporting Mothers in High-Risk Neonatal Care on Maternal Psychosocial and Caregiving Outcomes: A Systematic Review with Narrative Synthesis

Abstract

Background

Mothers of high-risk neonates often experience reduced confidence, challenges in role adaptation, and lower satisfaction with neonatal care, which may influence maternal well-being and caregiving practices.

Review Question

What is the effectiveness of interventions in improving maternal psychosocial and caregiving outcomes?

Methods

A systematic search was conducted across five electronic databases for articles published from January 2020 through December 2024. Studies eligible for inclusion were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental designs focusing on maternal psychosocial and caregiving outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB-2) tool for RCTs and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for non-RCTs. Due to heterogeneity in intervention types and outcome measures, a narrative synthesis approach was adopted.

Results

A total of 22 studies were included. Interventions were categorized into family-centered care, educational programs, digital health strategies, and home-based or follow-up interventions. Commonly assessed outcomes included maternal self-efficacy, role adaptation, readiness for discharge, resilience, and satisfaction in care. Although many studies reported improvements in maternal outcomes, there was considerable variability in intervention components, duration, delivery methods, and measurement tools. Methodological quality also varied across studies, and the evidence was geographically concentrated, which may limit generalizability.

Conclusion

Interventions showed potential to support maternal outcomes in high-risk neonatal care; however, inconsistencies in design and measurement limit definitive conclusions.

Keywords

Neonates mothers maternal self-efficacy confidence role adaptation satisfaction neonatal intensive care unit

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