AI Article Synopsis
- The study aims to assess how depression symptoms in parents change from when their premature infant is admitted to the NICU until 30 days after they leave, hypothesizing that symptoms decrease initially but then rise post-discharge.* -
- Data was collected from 431 parents using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at four points: NICU admission, discharge, and two follow-ups at 14 and 30 days after discharge, revealing that mothers had significantly greater decreases in depression scores compared to fathers.* -
- Findings indicate that while both parents show different patterns of depressive symptoms, enhanced screening for postpartum depression during the NICU stay could lead to better identification and support for at-risk parents post-discharge, with particular emphasis on
Article Abstract
Objective: To examine the trajectory and risk factors of depression symptoms among parents from NICU admission to 30 days postdischarge. We hypothesized depression symptom scores would decrease from admission and then increase from discharge to 30 days.
Methods: Prospective longitudinal cohort study of premature infants in NICU. Parents completed the validated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 4 time points: NICU admission, discharge, and 14 days and 30 days postdischarge. EPDS score change across time and probability of a positive screen (EPDS ≥10) were by assessed using mixed effect regression models.
Results: Of 431 parents enrolled (mothers, = 230 [53%]), 33% of mothers ( = 57) and 17% of fathers ( = 21) had a positive EPDS screening. Score change was 1.9 points different between mothers and fathers (confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-2.6; < .0001), with mothers decreasing 2.9 points (CI: 2.1-3.7; < .0001) and fathers decreasing 1.0 points (CI: 0.1-2.0; = .04). Over time, mothers decreased 10.96 times (CI: 2.99-38.20; = .0003); fathers decreased at a nonsignificant rate. Admission or discharge screening improved 30-day depressive symptom prediction (AUC 0.66 baseline demographics only versus 0.84+initial [ < .0001], and versus 0.80+discharge screening [ < .001]).
Conclusions: Mothers and fathers experience different depressive symptom trajectories from NICU to home. Screening parents for postpartum depression during the NICU stay is likely to result in improved identification of parents at risk for postpartum depression after discharge. Focused attention on fathers appears warranted.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-042747 | DOI Listing |
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