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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Psychological impact of neonatal intensive care unit admissions on parents: A regional perspective
Corrine Dickinson1, Venkat Vangaveti2, Allyson Browne3
1Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Insights
Parents of infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) experience significant psychological distress and harmful alcohol use. Early screening and support are crucial for family well-being and infant development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Parental mental health
- Public health
Background:
- Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) present unique challenges for parents.
- Maternal and paternal mental health and behaviors require focused attention in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of adverse psychological symptoms and health behaviors in parents with infants admitted to a regional NICU.
- To highlight the need for mental health care services in NICU settings.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, prevalence-based quantitative study.
- 114 parents (69 mothers, 45 fathers) of 79 infants at Townsville University Hospital.
- Standardized questionnaires and diagnostic interviews assessed trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol use, and bonding at 2 weeks and 3 months post-NICU admission.
Main Results:
- Within 2 weeks post-NICU admission, mothers reported significant trauma (16%), depression (22%), anxiety (27%), and stress (24%).
- Fathers reported higher rates of anxiety (11%) and stress (13%) than depression (4%).
- 18% of parents reported harmful alcohol use within 2 weeks, with 29% of fathers continuing risky drinking at 3 months. At 3 months, 21% of mothers met criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, 8% for major depressive disorder, and 6% for PTSD.
Conclusions:
- High rates of psychological distress and harmful alcohol use necessitate targeted interventions for NICU parents.
- Screening for psychological distress and alcohol use is vital for timely support post-discharge.
- Optimizing parental mental health is key to improving family function and preterm infant development.
Objective:
This study aimed to report the prevalence of adverse psychological symptoms and health behaviours of parents who had a baby admitted to a regional neonatal intensive care unit to spotlight mental health care in these unique settings.
Design:
This was a prospective, prevalence-based study using quantitative data.
Setting:
The study was conducted at the Townsville University Hospital, Queensland.
Participants:
Participants comprised 114 parents of 79 infants enrolled in the study (mothers = 69 and fathers = 45).
Main Outcome Measures:
Trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol and drug use, prior mental health history and bonding experience were assessed by standardised self-report questionnaires and a structured diagnostic interview within 2 weeks and at 3 months post-admission to neonatal intensive care unit.
Results:
Clinically significant acute trauma symptoms (16% of mothers only), depression (22% mothers; 4% of fathers), anxiety (27% mothers; 11% fathers) and stress (24% mothers; 13% fathers) were reported within the first 2 weeks after their baby was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Notably, 18% of parents reported engaging in harmful alcohol use behaviour within 2 weeks post-birth; 29% of fathers continued to report risky drinking at 3 months. At 3 months, 21%, 8% and 6% of mothers met diagnostic criteria for generalised anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, respectively.
Conclusion:
Screening for psychological distress and alcohol use of parents of neonatal intensive care unit babies can ensure that support services are made available post-discharge to optimise family function and development of the preterm infant.
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