Depression among mothers of high-risk infants discharged from a neonatal intensive care unit

This study investigated potential associations between maternal depression and specific infant health conditions, smoking, and socioeconomic characteristics among mothers of high-risk infants during medical follow-up visits.

Cross-sectional self-report, and interview data were collected from 114 mothers of high-risk infants previously discharged from a neonatal intensive care unit. Mothers were assessed at a postdischarge clinic visit.

Prevalence rates for a Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale score ≥ 16) suggestive of a depressive disorder exceeded 20% at all time points for this sample of predominantly low-income, minority-race mothers. A greater number of mothers who had infants with a highly visible illness (e.g., surgical necrotizing enterocolitis) were depressed. Depression was also associated with the presence of a household smoker, younger age, and less education and income.

Given the prevalence rates, routine screening for postpartum depression in mothers of high-risk infants is imperative, with particular attention to the infant's health, smoking, and socioeconomic variables.