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

• Published in: Journal of neonatal nursing : JNN 2025-02, Vol.31 (1), p.223-228
• Main Authors: Åberg Petersson, Marie, Israelsson, Johan, Persson, Carina, Hörberg, Ulrica, Wåhlin, Ingrid, Massoudi, Pamela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bonding; Family functioning; Health Sciences; Hälsovetenskap; Neonatal intensive care; Parents' mental health
• ISSN: 1355-1841
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnn.2024.08.005

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. 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. 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. 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.