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. 2025 Jul 26;18(1):327.
doi: 10.1186/s13104-025-07403-z.

The effect of peer-led education on the quality of life of mothers of premature infants in neonatal intensive care units: a quasi-experimental study

Jamalodin Begjani  1 , Fatemeh Khoshnavay Fomani  2 , Farzane Beiranvand  1 , Mohammad Mehdi Rajabi  3
Affiliations

The effect of peer-led education on the quality of life of mothers of premature infants in neonatal intensive care units: a quasi-experimental study

Jamalodin Begjani et al. BMC Res Notes. .

Abstract

Objective: The hospitalization of a premature infant in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a stressful experience for mothers, often reducing their quality of life (QoL). This study evaluated the effect of a peer-led educational and supportive program on the QoL of mothers with premature infants. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the NICUs of Hazrat Vali-e-Asr Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Seventy mothers were enrolled and non-randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 35) or a control group (n = 35) based on the ward where their infant was hospitalized. The intervention group attended three peer-led sessions over ten days. The control group received standard NICU education from nurses. QoL was measured using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) at baseline and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and ANCOVA.

Results: At baseline, there was no significant difference in QoL scores between groups (P = 0.89). Post-intervention, the intervention group showed significantly higher total QoL scores than the control group (P < 0.001). Significant improvements were noted in mental health, vitality, social functioning, and role limitations due to emotional problems (all P < 0.001). These findings suggest peer-led programs can improve maternal QoL in NICUs and support their integration into neonatal care.

Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on July 20, 2025 (IRCT20230816059164N4; https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/84566 ).

Keywords: Mothers; Neonatal intensive care unit; Peer support; Premature infants; Quality of life.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (IR.TUMS.FNM.REC.1399.069) and was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants before study initiation. Mothers were provided with detailed information about the study’s objectives, procedures, benefits, and risks, ensuring voluntary participation. Data confidentiality was strictly maintained, and participants had the right to withdraw at any time without consequences for their medical care. Peer educators were trained to uphold ethical standards, provide emotional support, and maintain professional boundaries. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Clinical trial number: This study was retrospectively registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on July 20, 2025 (IRCT20230816059164N4; https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/84566 ).

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
CONSORT flowchart of the study
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