Early Intervention Strategies for Enhancing Attachment and Interaction in Families with Premature Infants: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5708/EJMH.20.2025.0047Keywords:
preterm infants, parent-infant interaction, attachment, early intervention, NICUAbstract
Introduction: Preterm birth poses significant risks to neonatal health and development, impacting parental roles and early bonding.
Aim: Our systematic review explores recent interventions aimed at enhancing parent-premature infant interactions and attachment, particularly in NICU settings.
Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, articles published between 2010 and 2024 were searched across major databases. 19 English-language studies assessing interventions to promote bonding, attachment, and interaction with preterm infants met the final inclusion criteria for the systematic review after rigorous screening and bias assessment.
Results: The reviewed studies presented diverse interventions targeting parent-infant relationship. The interventions included kangaroo care, parent education, and psychological support, conducted predominantly in hospital settings. Positive outcomes were consistently reported in enhancing attachment, improving parental sensitivity, and reducing maternal anxiety and depression. Father involvement also showed beneficial impacts on attachment outcomes.
Conclusions: Early interventions can mitigate the risks threatening the development of prematurely born infants by fostering secure parent-infant attachments and enhancing parental competence. The findings underscore the clinical significance of integrating bonding-focused interventions into routine NICU care, emphasizing the role of both parents in supporting infant development. Future healthcare strategies should prioritize the early comprehensive support to optimize the long-term developmental outcomes in preterm infants.
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Published 2025-11-17
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