Postpartum Depressive Symptoms in Parents at Discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Risk Factors and Association with Parental Stress

Abstract

Background: NICU parents are at risk for poor emotional functioning, including mood disorders, anxiety, and parental distress. Identifying factors associated with poor emotional functioning can help identify at-risk parents who may benefit from mental health support. Objective: To determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among parents at NICU discharge, risk factors associated with elevated depression scores, and the relationship between depressive symptoms, anxiety, and NICU parental stress. Methods: Data were collected from parents (n=300) and infants (n=300) enrolled in a randomized trial of peer-to-peer support after NICU discharge. Baseline parent and infant characteristics were …