Parent’s Learning Strategies: A qualitative study on parents of preterm infants

Objectives: This study aimed to understand the learning strategies of parents of preterm infants, hospitalized in NICU. Method: This study was performed by qualitative research approach. Twelve participants including nine parents whose infants were admitted in NICU, two nurses and one physician, all selected by purposive sampling method were interviewed by a female expert occupational therapist. Data were gathered by semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed by inductive content analysis approach. Results: Three subcategories emerged from data analysis expressed learning strategies of parents of preterm infants hospitalized in NICU. These subcategories were: Asking question, Getting help, Learning caring skills. Discussion: Preterm infants' parents stated that they do not have enough ability and knowledge for managing their feelings and needs. So, they seek for resources of help and apply some special strategies for playing parental roles correctly.