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Mental health monitoring in parents after very preterm birth
Eline Vriend1, Aleid Leemhuis2, Monique Flierman1
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Insights
Parental mental health monitoring for very preterm infants showed improvement, yet 17% of families still experienced anxiety and depression symptoms after one year. Continued support is crucial for parents of these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Parental mental health
- Psychological well-being
Background:
- Follow-up care for very preterm (VPT) infants is critical.
- Parental mental health is integral to infant well-being.
- Limited data exists on parental anxiety and depression in VPT infant follow-up.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate parental mental health monitoring in VPT infant follow-up.
- To describe anxiety and depression symptoms in mothers and fathers.
- To identify risk factors for parental psychological distress.
Main Methods:
- Parents of VPT infants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
- Psychological symptoms and risk factors were analyzed at 1 and 12 months corrected age.
- Data were compared between mothers, fathers, and within couples.
Main Results:
- At 1 month corrected age, 22% of mothers and 10% of fathers reported elevated anxiety symptoms.
- At 12 months corrected age, parental anxiety and depression symptoms significantly reduced but remained present in 17% of families.
- Factors such as length of hospital stay, migration background, education, and employment influenced parental mental health.
Conclusions:
- Parental mental health significantly improved but requires ongoing attention.
- Elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression persist in a notable percentage of parents of VPT infants.
- Integrating mental health support into follow-up care is essential for families with VPT infants.
Aim:
To evaluate parental mental health monitoring during follow-up care for very preterm (VPT) infants, describe symptoms of anxiety and depression and risk factors for mothers and fathers at 1 and 12 months of corrected age.
Methods:
Parents completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Psychological symptoms and risk factors were analysed within and between mothers and fathers.
Results:
In 4 years, the monitoring reached 1260 (48%) families. Of these, 693 mothers and 340 fathers (300 couples) completed the HADS twice. At 1 month, 22% and 15% of the mothers and 10% and 9% of the fathers, respectively, reported elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression. At 12 months, these rates were significantly reduced to 14% and 9% for mothers and 5% and 4% for fathers respectively. Within couples, anxiety and depression were positively associated. At 12 months, in 20% of the couples, one or both parents reported elevated symptoms. Risk factors were length of hospital stay, migration background, educational level and employment status.
Conclusion:
The mental health of parents of VPT infants improved, but elevated symptoms were still observed in 17% of included families after one year. Acknowledging and remediating parental mental health remain essential during follow-up care.
