Factors Associated with Uncertainty Levels Among Migrant Mothers that had their Children Hospitalized During the Neonatal Period

Abstract

Introduction: Neonatal hospitalization is a critical experience for mothers. Migration can increase uncertainty levels; it is for this reason that knowing this reality is of utmost importance and interest for Nursing. Objective: To describe uncertainty levels among migrant women and the associated factors. Materials and Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study with convenience sampling in which the participants were 181 Venezuelan mothers over 14 years old without acute health conditions and who had their children hospitalized. The Parents-Children Uncertainty scale was applied; this tool has adequate psychometric properties to be used in Colombia, with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.86. Descriptive statistics, correlational analysis and a regression model were applied for data analysis. Results: The uncertainty levels were high in 93.92 % of the cases and presented a correlation with hospitalization time (sig. 0.050) and migratory status (sig. 0.006). The following variables explained the uncertainty levels: hospitalization days (sig. 0.004); birth weight (sig. 0.016); gestational age (sig. 0.054); and number of prenatal control appointments (sig. 0.004). Searching for information outside the hospital setting reduced the uncertainty levels (sig. 0.059). Conclusion: Uncertainty levels are high among migrant mothers, and the associated factors point to the need to provide clear information, particularly in the case of mothers in irregular migratory situations and with children undergoing prolonged hospitalizations; guidelines on the use of educational resources should be offered.