Premature Baby Study

The University of Queensland are recruiting mothers of babies (<24 months corrected age) born preterm (<37 weeks gestation) to complete questionnaires via a web-based survey. A web-based survey allows the mother to complete the questionnaires in her own home at a time convenient to her. All responses will be completely anonymous as no identifying details will be recorded. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. The questionnaires will ask about; the mother’s expectations before the premmie birth, the mother’s experiences during hospitalisation, coping strategies, the mother’s feelings, the spousal relationship (if applicable) and the mother’s current feelings around parenting.

What makes a mother a happy, confident mother of a premmie baby?
Researchers at the University of Queensland have been conducting focus groups with parents of premmie babies to explore their unique parenting experiences. Inspired by parents stories of challenges and resilience we want to further explore some of the issues that parents have raised. In particular, we want to know what factors contribute to making the mother of a premmie baby a happy and confident mother.

Can you participate?
We are recruiting mothers of babies (<24 months corrected age) born preterm (<37 weeks gestational age).

What does participation involve?
Participation involves completing a web-based survey. We’ve chosen a web-based survey because it allows you to complete the questionnaires in your own home at a time convenient to you. All responses will be completely anonymous as no identifying details will be recorded. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. The questionnaires will ask about; your expectations before the premmie birth, your experiences during hospitalisation, coping strategies, your feelings, your spousal relationship (if applicable) and your current feelings around parenting. The web-address for the survey is: http://exp.psy.uq.edu.au/premstudy

What are the benefits?
We hope that this research will inform clinicians about ways that they can better support parents.

If you would like any further information about this study please contact us and we will forward further details to you.