Assessing anxiety and depression in parents of preterm infants

Abstract

PurposeTo measure state and trait anxiety, as well as depression, among parents of preterm infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). DesignA convenience sample of 200 parents of preterm infants (124 mothers and 76 fathers) hospitalized in two Greek pediatric hospital NICUs participated in the study. ResultsAmong the 200 participating parents, mothers (which constituted 62% of the total sample) experienced higher levels of state anxiety, trait anxiety and depression than the fathers (p = 0.04, p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). State anxiety scores were also higher in individuals aged ≥40 years (p = 0.038). Other factors that contributed to higher levels of state anxiety, trait anxiety and depression included being unemployed, living in rural areas and having complications during pregnancy. ConclusionThe severity of state anxiety, trait anxiety and depression among parents of preterm infants hospitalized in NICUs is influenced by various socio-demographic factors and by clinical characteristics of the infants.