Chronic post-traumatic stress in mothers of very low birth weight preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation
Year: 2020
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: The birth of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants causes stress in mothers, which may continue for over 6 months. This is called chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Objective: To detect CPTSD frequency and symptoms among mothers of VLBW preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation. Methods: Cross-sectional cohort study in mothers using a survey based on the Davidson Trauma Scale. Results: A total of 172 surveys were administered but 146 were included; 82 (56 %) did not have stress symptoms, while 64 (44 %) had CPTSD. Mothers with CPTSD accounted for 46.8 % of preterm infants born at ≤ 28 weeks versus 31.7 % in those without CPTSD (p = 0.032). Preterm infants with a birth weight < 1000 g were significantly more frequent among mothers with CPTSD, 53 % versus 34 % among those without stress (p = 0.011). No differences were observed in neonatal morbidity (p = 0.072). Severe morbidity in preterm infants was significantly more common among those with CPTSD, 43.8 % versus 28 % (p ≤ 0.004).Mothers who had a lower education accounted significantly for more cases of CPTSD (p = 0.013). No significant differences were seen in maternal age (p = 0.313), children's age (p = 0.405), and length of stay (p = 0.316). Conclusion: Among the mothers of VLBW preterm infants, 44 % had CPTSD, and this was significantly more common among those who had preterm infants born at ≤28 weeks, a birth weight <1000 g, severe morbidity, and a lower level of education.
Source: Archivos Argentinos de Pediatria
Authors: Diana C Rodríguez, José M Ceriani Cernadas, Paz Abarca, Eleonora Edwards, Luciana Barrueco, Pedro Lesta, Pablo Durán
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W3087303942