Background and purpose: Postpartum depression is a serious preventable problem with various effects. According to previous studies, 44% of mothers with infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) show emotional symptoms such as depression and restlessness. Religion has always been regarded as a complementary approach and praying is usually used by people in harsh conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of prayer on depression in mothers with premature infants admitted to NICU.
Materials and methods: In a clinical trial, 60 mothers of premature infants were randomly divided into a control group (n=30) and an intervention group (n=30). In the intervention group a prayer program was conducted for mothers one day after NICU admission for 7 days. Data was collected using a demographic questionnaire, SCL90 scale, DASS 21, and the Prayer Questionnaire. Data was analyzed in SPSS V11.5 applying Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, Paired t- test, and ANOVA.
Results: The two groups were homogenous for all demographic factors (mother’s age, type of delivery, gravidity, number of childbirth, abortion, number of children, etc.) and that of the neonates (gender, Apgar Score, etc.) except infant birth weight (P=0.045). At the end of the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in depression score (P=0.118) but one month later the scores revealed a significant difference between two groups (P=0.047).
Conclusion: Prayer can be effective in prevention of depression in mothers with premature neonates.