Chronic post-traumatic stress in mothers of very low birth weight preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation

Abstract

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). To detect CPTSD frequency and symptoms among mothers of VLBW preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation. Cross-sectional cohort study in mothers using a survey based on the Davidson Trauma Scale. 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). 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.