Depression, posttraumatic stress and relationship distress in parents of very preterm infants

Journal article


Winter, Leanne, Colditz, Paul B., Sanders, Matthew R., Boyd, Roslyn N., Pritchard, Margo, Gray, Peter H., Whittingham, Koa, Forrest, Kylee, Leeks, Rebecca, Webb, Lachlan, Marquart, Louise, Taylor, Karen and Macey, Judith. (2018). Depression, posttraumatic stress and relationship distress in parents of very preterm infants. Archives of Women's Mental Health. 21, pp. 445 - 451. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-018-0821-6
AuthorsWinter, Leanne, Colditz, Paul B., Sanders, Matthew R., Boyd, Roslyn N., Pritchard, Margo, Gray, Peter H., Whittingham, Koa, Forrest, Kylee, Leeks, Rebecca, Webb, Lachlan, Marquart, Louise, Taylor, Karen and Macey, Judith
Abstract

To determine the prevalence, associated factors, and relationships between symptoms of depression, symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTS), and relationship distress in mothers and fathers of very preterm (VPT) infants (< 32 weeks). Mothers (n = 323) and fathers (n = 237) completed self-report measures on demographic and outcome variables at 38 days (SD = 23.1, range 9–116) postpartum while their infants were still hospitalised. Of mothers, 46.7% had a moderate to high likelihood of depression, 38.1% had moderate to severe symptoms of PTS, and 25.1% were in higher than average relationship distress. The corresponding percentages in fathers were 16.9, 23.7, and 27%. Depression was positively associated with having previous children (p = 0.01), speaking little or no English at home (p = 0.01), financial stress (p = 0.03), and recently accessing mental health services (p = 0.003) for mothers, and financial stress (p = 0.005) and not being the primary income earner (p = 0.04) for fathers. Similar associations were found for symptoms of PTS and relationship distress. Being in higher relationship distress increased the risk of depression in both mothers (p < .001) and fathers (p = 0.03), and PTS symptoms in mothers (p = 0.001). For both mothers and fathers, depression was associated with more severe PTS symptoms (p < .001). Fathers of VPT infants should be screened for mental health problems alongside mothers, and postpartum parent support programs for VPT infants should include strategies to improve the couple relationship.

KeywordsVery preterm infants; Parent mental health; Couple relationship; Depression; Posttraumatic stress
Year2018
JournalArchives of Women's Mental Health
Journal citation21, pp. 445 - 451
PublisherSpringer-Verlag Wien
ISSN1434-1816
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-018-0821-6
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85045059646
Page range445 - 451
Research GroupSchool of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Place of publicationAustria
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