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Abstract

Mothering issue remains a focus of public concern because of their impact on both maternal and child health. Mothers do not naturally adapt to their maternal role performance during early postpartum period but they need to learn and adjust continuously. They must use their potential and strength to adapt with changing role. Mothers, who are able to cope successfully in transition to motherhood, will gain mastery in their maternal role performance including role competence in infant care, relation with infant and satisfaction in their maternal role. The investigator conducted this study that would be helpful in determining the factors related to maternal role competence during the transition to motherhood and its effect on infant outcome. A descriptive cross sectional research design was used to conduct the study aimed to find our perceived maternal role competence among mothers of infants residing in Pokhara. A total 185 mothers of infant were selected by simple random sampling technique. Standard tool â�?�?Parenting sense of competenceâ�? was used to assess perceived maternal role competence. The data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The mean score of perceived maternal role competence obtained by respondents was 72.48�?±8.33. The mean score of satisfaction and efficacy domain were 32.61�?±5.76 and 34.34�?±4.45 respectively. There was significant association of perceived maternal competence and age of the mother (p<0.022), educational status (p=0.011), employment status (p=0.019) and readiness for pregnancy (p=0.022). The study findings revealed positive correlation in between perceived maternal role competence and age of respondents (r=0.202, p=.006) and age at marriage (r=0.159, p=0.030). There is a need to support young mothers to adjust in a new role of the mother. Higher education, along with better job opportunities and planned pregnancy are essential for proper infant care. Education and support by the nurses and family members is of utmost importance to boost up selfesteem and increase competence in maternal role.

Biography

Nirsuba Gurung has completed BSc in Nursing and has the experience of working in labor room of Teaching hospital of Kathmandu and as Assistant Lecturer in nursing program of medical college in Pokhara. Currently, she is pursuing her master’s in nursing in women health and development. She is also involved in many health camps and community awareness programs.

Email: niru.gurung9@mail.com