Introduction: Preterm birth does not only affect the health status of the child, but also represents a significant psychological and emotional burden for parents, who must, in a short period of time, cope with a new and often unpredictable situation. Despite advances in neonatal care, the psychological and social needs of parents often remain underrecognized, which justifies the need for an in-depth exploration of their experiences. Aim: The aim of this thesis is to theoretically and empirically investigate and examine the psychological and social consequences and challenges faced by parents following preterm birth and the birth of a premature infant during hospitalization in a neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: In the first part of the thesis, a descriptive research method was used, based on analysis, compilation, and synthesis of professional and scientific literature. The literature review process was presented using a PRISMA diagram. Literature was searched in English in the databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library. In the second, empirical part of the thesis, a qualitative research method was applied. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of premature infants who met the inclusion criteria. Results: Based on exclusion criteria and the quality assessment of the literature in relation to the research objectives, six scientific articles were included in the final analysis. Interviews were conducted with ten mothers of premature infants, with both parents participating in two of the interviews. Discussion and Conclusion: During the period of hospitalization, parents of premature infants often experience significant psychological distress, such as fear, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. High-quality communication with healthcare professionals, parental involvement in infant care, and the facilitation of early bonding play an important role. A holistic, family-centered approach that includes appropriate psychosocial support and skin-to-skin contact significantly contributes to reducing parental distress and strengthening their parental role.
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