Effect of information support through internet for mothers of premature infants with postpartum anxiety and depression after neonatal intensive care unit discharge

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of information support through QQ-based internet for mothers of premature infants with postpartum anxiety and depression after neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge. Methods 85 mothers of premature infants were divided into the control group and the intervention group. 43 mothers in the control group received the routine care, while 42 mothers in the intervention group received information support through QQ-based internet except the routine care. Postpartum anxiety and depression were assessed by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)in mothers of premature infants 1 day, 3 weeks and 3 months after NICU discharge. Results In the 3rd week and the 3rd month after NICU discharge,SAI score of mothers of premature infants in the intervention group was (37.81±7.80) and (38.41±7.67) Scores respectively, which was significantly lower than that of in the control group,(47.27±9.25) and (46.85±14.11) Scores, the t value was 4.90 and 3.24,P<0.05. The number of mothers whose score of EPDS over 9 in the 3rd week and the 3rd month after NICU discharge in the control group was 16 and 9 respectively, while in the intervention group was 4 and 1, the difference between the two groups was significant,P<0.05. Conclusion Information support through internet could relieve postpartum anxiety and depression in mothers of premature infants after NICU discharge. Key words: Computer communication networks; Access to information; Premature infants; Postpartum period; Anxiety; Depression