Determinant Factors of Maternal Readiness in Caring for Post-Nicu Neonates: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Suboptimal maternal readiness to care for post-NICU neonates may increase the risk of readmission, with an incidence of 8.15 cases per 1,000 live births. Previous studies have extensively discussed predictors of discharge readiness among mothers with normal deliveries and healthy infants. However, reviews related to maternal readiness to care for post-NICU infants remain limited. This review aimed to identify the determinants of maternal readiness to care for post-NICU neonates based on the literature. The method used was a scoping review approach comprising five stages, based on the framework of Arksey and O’Malley. Articles were searched through PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and ProQuest databases using the keywords “maternal readiness” OR “mother readiness” OR “maternal preparedness” OR “maternal role attainment” OR “parental readiness” AND “neonate” OR “newborn” OR “infant” OR “ill neonate” OR “ill newborn” OR “neonatal illness” OR “neonatal care” AND “determinant” OR “factor” OR “predictor” OR “influencing factor” OR “associated factor” AND “caregiving” OR “maternal care” OR “neonatal nursing” OR “mother care”, using the PICO framework and PRISMA. A total of 155 articles were identified, and after screening, 70 met the criterion of publication within the last 10 years. Of these, 62 articles were excluded because they were irrelevant, did not use a quantitative methodology, or were not in the context of NICU care. Therefore, 8 articles published between 2017 and 2026 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The scoping review identified five themes related to the determinants of maternal readiness to care for post-NICU neonates: psychological factors, sociodemographic factors, social and professional support, empowerment interventions, and educational interventions. The review concluded that maternal psychological factors, such as anxiety, stress, mental health, and self-efficacy, were the most prominent aspects because they were most consistently associated with maternal readiness during the transition of care from hospital to home.