Preterm birth is a major global health concern, contributing to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal stress is heightened by the separation of preterm infants in NICUs. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), involving skin-to-skin contact, has shown potential in reducing maternal stress and promoting bonding. This study aimed to assess the impact of KMC on maternal stress among mothers of preterm infants in the NICU, focusing on the influence of KMC duration and frequency. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based observational study was conducted on 200 mothers of preterm neonates, divided into KMC (study) and control groups. Participants were selected via convenience sampling. The KMC group received ≥10 hours of daily KMC, while the control group received standard NICU care. Maternal stress was measured using the Parental Stress Scale (PSS) at admission, after one week, and at discharge. Data were analyzed using SPSS-30, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: The KMC group showed a significant reduction in maternal stress scores compared to the control group (p<0.05). Improvements were observed across all PSS domains, including parental role alteration, infant appearance, and staff communication. Longer and more frequent KMC sessions correlated with greater stress reduction. Conclusion: KMC is an effective intervention to reduce maternal stress in NICU settings and should be integrated into routine neonatal care. Further research is recommended to evaluate its long-term psychological benefits.

Preterm birth, Maternal stress, Kangaroo Mother Care, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Parental Stress Scale