METHODS In this prospective observational cohort study, we enrolled mother–infant dyads whose infants were bornweeks\u27 gestation. Enrollment occurred after 2 weeks of NICU exposure, when maternal social factors and demographic information was collected. Maternal time spent in the NICU was abstracted from the electronic medical record and was dichotomized into 0 to 6 days and ≥6 days per week. Demographic differences between the 2 groups were compared by using χ2 tests. Logistic regression was used to assess the independent association between maternal social factors and the average number of days per week spent in the NICU. RESULTS A total of 169 mother–infant dyads were analyzed. Maternal social factors associated with more time spent in the NICU included an annual household income of \u3e$100 000, compared with those with an annual household income of60 minutes [aOR: 7.85; 95% CI 2.81–21.96]), and the lack of other children in the household, compared with women with other children (aOR: 3.15; 95% CI 1.39–7.11). CONCLUSIONS Maternal time spent in the NICU during a prolonged birth hospitalization of a very preterm infant differed by socioeconomic status, travel time, and presence of other dependents. Strategies to better identify and reduce these disparities to optimize engagement and, subsequently, improve infant health outcomes is needed
