Authors (including presenting author) :
Yeung YN (1), Lam WK (1), Lai CK (1), Lau CS (1), Ngo PK (1), Wong BKJ (1), Wong WS (1), Ng YHR (1)
Affiliation :
The Department of Paediatrics, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Keyword 2: :
parental stress
Keyword 3: :
neonatal intensive care unit
Keyword 4: :
parental role
Keyword 5: :
parent-infant bonding
Introduction :
Parents often experience significant stress when their newborns are hospitalized in a NICU due to separation and their inability to fulfill parental roles. While traditional kangaroo care promotes bonding and alleviates stress, its feasibility is dependent on the infant's medical condition. The inability to touch baby often exacerbates parental stress. Therefore, hand hug was proposed to foster bonding and closeness, eventually reducing parental stress. The Hand Hugs Program was introduced to enhance parental engagement and promote bonding between parents and their hospitalized infants.
Objectives :
This study aims to evaluate the effect of hand hugs on parental stress levels in the NICU. The objectives are (1) to initiate the Hand Hugs Program for parents by explaining the benefits of hand hugs, providing education, demonstrations, pamphlets, and hands-off experience; (2) to provide guidance and support to parents on performing hand hugs; (3) to evaluate the changes in parental stress levels and assess the parental satisfaction before and after the implementation of the Hand Hugs Program.
Methodology :
The Hand Hugs Program was conducted in the NICU at Queen Elizabeth Hospital from June to September 2025. A pre-questionnaire was conducted to collect baseline data, followed by distributing the designed pamphlet and demonstrating the hand hug technique. Parents practiced with nursing support and documented the frequency. A post-questionnaire was conducted after the first session, followed by a further post-questionnaire and interview for those who completed more than three hand hugs. A mixed method is employed. Statistical analysis using a paired t-test was performed to compare pre- and post-questionnaire scores. Content analysis was performed to analyse interview data.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 33 participants joined the program, showing a statistically significant reduction in total parental stress levels from a mean score of 3.01 to 2.16 post-intervention (p < 0.001). Among the 26 participants performing more than three hand hugs, the mean score further reduced to 1.82 (p < 0.001). Statistically significant reductions were also observed in parental stress on parental role and parent-infant bonding. Interview results indicated that parents felt relieved and happier after hand hugs, and they expressed appreciation and satisfaction with the program. Reducing parental stress enhances parents' readiness for their infant’s discharge; future efforts should explore the effect on early discharge from NICU.
