Research and Theory for Nursing Practice · Feb 14, 2026
Exploring Influential Factors on Mother-Nurse Partnership in Neonatal Intensive Care Units for Preterm Infants: Applying the Ecological Systems Model
By Kim NY, Cho IY
Background and Purpose: Effective mother-nurse partnerships in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are critical for improving outcomes in preterm infants. This study aimed to analyze, within the framework of the ecological systems model, the influence of maternal health status, maternal self-esteem, family resilience, and hospital service satisfaction on mother-nurse partnerships in the NICU and to guide the development of programs that enhance such partnerships. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 165 mothers of preterm infants who had been admitted to the NICU for more than 7 days. Participants were recruited from Chonnam National University Hospital in Gwangju Metropolitan City and affiliated online communities. Data were collected via an online survey conducted between August and September 2024 using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: Hospital service satisfaction (β = .58, p < .001), family resilience (β = .16, p = .032), maternal self-esteem (β = .13, p = .030), and maternal health status (β = -.11, p = .029) significantly influenced the partnership. The final model accounted for 65.9% of the variance. Implications for Practice: The mother-nurse partnership was influenced by satisfaction with hospital services, family resilience, maternal self-esteem, and maternal health status. Effective interventions should therefore prioritize enhancing maternal self-esteem, supporting maternal health, and implementing family-centered nursing strategies that strengthen family resilience.