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Parental Depression Symptoms at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Discharge and Associated Risk Factors

Lamia M Soghier1, Katherine I Kritikos2, Cara L Carty2

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC; Center for Translational Science, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|July 19, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Parental depressive symptoms are common at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge, linked to higher stress and lower social support. Early screening and interventions are crucial for supporting these parents.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) care
  • Parental mental health
  • Perinatal psychology

Background:

  • Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stays present significant challenges for parents.
  • Parental mental well-being is critical during this vulnerable period.
  • Understanding risk factors for parental distress is essential for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of parental depressive symptoms at NICU discharge.
  • To identify risk factors associated with these depressive symptoms.
  • To explore the relationships between depressive symptoms, stress, and social support.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 300 parents were surveyed before NICU discharge.
  • Validated scales assessed depressive symptoms (CESD-10), stress (PSS:NICU, PSS-10), and social support (MSPSS).
  • Regression analyses were used to examine associations between variables.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence of depressive symptoms (45%) and elevated stress (43%) at NICU discharge.
  • Older gestational age, female infant, and longer NICU stay were associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms.
  • Parental stress was positively correlated with depressive symptoms, while social support was inversely associated.

Conclusions:

  • Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent in parents at NICU discharge, including those with term infants.
  • Parental stress and lower social support are significant correlates of depressive symptoms.
  • Implementing depression screening, stress reduction, and mental health referrals is recommended.
Abstract

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