Home apnea monitoring: mothers' mood states, family functioning, and support systems

Home apnea monitoring has been used increasingly for infants with or at high risk for apnea. This study examined mood states, perceived family functioning, and perceived support systems of mothers with infants on home apnea monitors from the first week on the monitor through three months after discharge. It also compared these factors in mothers receiving care through an established home monitor program or through their own physicians. Greatest discrepancies in all three areas of study occurred during the first week at home. During this time the group receiving care through private physicians reported higher discrepancy in professional support than that in the home monitoring program. No other significant differences were found between the two groups across time periods. Community health nurses have an important role in assessing and providing counseling concerning the mood disturbance and changes in family functioning that may take place when infants are receiving this therapy, particularly in the initial time at home.