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

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.