Low Income Women's Perception of Preparedness for Self Care and Infant Care Following Discharge from a Less than Forty-Eight Hour Hospitalization for Birth

Author

Patricia M. Ritola, Grand Valley State University

Date Approved

1995

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Nursing (M.S.N.)

Degree Program

College of Nursing

First Advisor

Patricia Underwood

Second Advisor

Cynthia Coviak

Third Advisor

Sandra Portko

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe perceptions of preparation for self care and infant care of new mothers of low income following a short hospitalization for childbirth. Orem's nursing model was used as the conceptual framework for the study. A descriptive correlational, cross sectional design was used to examine preparedness for self care and infant care. The sample (N = 50) consisted of women who were served by Michigan Medicaid, 18 years or older and were hospitalized less than 48 hours. A telephone interview was conducted seven days after discharge.; Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings identified no significant difference in perceived preparedness for discharge between non-participants and participants of prenatal classes, or between nurse midwife and physician care provider groups. Findings also identified no relationship between perceived preparedness for discharge and age or between perceived preparedness for discharge and level of formal education.

Comments

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ScholarWorks Citation

Ritola, Patricia M., "Low Income Women's Perception of Preparedness for Self Care and Infant Care Following Discharge from a Less than Forty-Eight Hour Hospitalization for Birth" (1995). Masters Theses. 225.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/theses/225