Psychological aspects of parenting critically ill neonates

This study was designed to objectively examine depression and distress levels in parents of ill versus parents of healthy neonates by utilizing two well-validated questionnaires, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Kellner Symptom Questionnaire (KSQ). In addition, morbidity of infants was assessed by the Minde-Whitelaw Neonatal Morbidity Scale, and parents completed a socioeconomic questionnaire. Analysis of mean BDI and KSQ scores revealed significant differences between parents of ill neonates and parents of healthy neonates in BDI, total KSQ scores, KSQ anxiety, and depression scale scores. Within these groups, respondents whose scores fell into moderate to severe ranges of distress on either questionnaire were referred for counseling. The BDI and KSQ can be tools for better understanding about distress levels in parents of ill and healthy neonates.