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Do apnea monitors decrease emotional distress in parents of infants at high risk for cardiopulmonary arrest?
D Abendroth1, D K Moser, K Dracup
1Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, USA.
Summary
Home apnea monitors increase parental distress, particularly depression and hostility, after infant hospital discharge. However, this distress lessens over time, with most parents finding the monitor helpful and feeling more secure using it.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Parental mental health
- Psychosocial outcomes
Background:
- Postpartum period is inherently stressful for parents.
- Home apnea monitoring can exacerbate parental stress.
- Study aimed to assess psychosocial impacts of apnea monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate psychosocial consequences of home apnea monitoring.
- Assess parental emotional distress and family functioning.
- Examine long-term parental attitudes toward apnea monitors.
Main Methods:
- 104 parents of high-risk infants studied.
- 52 infants used home apnea monitors; 52 were controls.
- Data collected at discharge, 2 weeks, 3, 6 months, and 1 year.
Main Results:
- Monitored group showed increased depression and hostility post-discharge.
- Control group showed increased hostility at 6 months.
- By 1 year, most parents used monitor nightly, felt secure, and found it helpful.
Conclusions:
- Infants requiring home apnea monitors cause significant parental distress post-discharge.
- Parental distress associated with apnea monitors diminishes over time.
- Anticipatory education and counseling are recommended for parents using apnea monitors.