CuddleCard: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of providing financial support to low-income mothers of preterm infants on parental caregiving in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Preterm birth is a leading cause of childhood mortality and developmental disabilities, with persistent socioeconomic disparities in incidence and outcomes. Maternal presence during prolonged neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization is critical for preterm infant health, enabling mothers to provide breast milk, directly breastfeed, and engage in skin-to-skin care-all of which promote infant physiological stability and neurodevelopment. Low-income mothers face significant barriers to visiting the NICU and participating in caregiving due to financial burdens and the psychological impact of financial stress. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of financial transfers in promoting maternal caregiving behaviors that directly impact pr

SUBMITTER: McConnell M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12079866 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature