Work

Mental health, bonding, family wellbeing, and family functioning in parents of infants receiving neonatal intensive care

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Aims To describe self-reported mental health , bonding with the infant, family wellbeing, and family functioning among mothers and non-birthing parents with children receiving neonatal intensive care and to explore factors associated with bonding with the child, family wellbeing, and family functioning. Methods This cross-sectional study included families from three different units in Sweden. Parents received a questionnaire that included self-reported measures of the study variables. Results In total, 75 mothers and 72 non-birthing parents were included. Nearly 40% of the parents reported anxiety symptoms, whereas depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms were uncommon. Mothers reported more mental health issues than non-birthing parents. In the regression analyses depression was associated with problems with bonding and family wellbeing, no other significant associations were identified. Conclusion Symptoms of anxiety were common but might be a natural and transient reaction. Identifying depression is important to be able to provide targeted family support.

Source: Journal of Neonatal Nursing

DOI: 10.1016/j.jnn.2024.08.005

Authors: Marie Åberg Petersson, Johan Israelsson, Carina Persson, Ulrica Hörberg, Ingrid Wåhlin, Pamela Massoudi

Institutions: Linnaeus University, Landstinget i Kalmar län, Region Kronoberg, University of Gothenburg

Language: English

Topic: Infant Development and Preterm Care

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,700