title: Social Emotional Factors Increase Risk of Postpartum Depression in Mothers of Preterm Infants.
abstract: To examine the association of maternal mental health, perceptions of readiness at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge, and social risk factors with depressive symptoms 1 month postdischarge in mothers of early (<32 weeks), moderate (32-33 weeks), and late (34-36 weeks) preterm infants. A secondary objective was to compare depressive symptoms among mothers in all preterm groups.
  
  
  
  Mothers (n = 734) of preterm infants cared for >5 days in the NICU and participating in a Transition Home Program completed the Fragile Infant Parent Readiness Evaluation prior to discharge for perceptions of NICU staff support, infant well-being, maternal well-being (emotional readiness/competency), and maternal comfort (worry about infant). Mental health history and social risk factors were obtained. At 1 month postdischarge the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was administered. Group comparisons and logistic regression analyses were run to predict possible depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale  ≥10).
  
  
  
  Mothers of early, moderate, and late preterm infants reported similar rates of possible depression (20%, 22%, and 18%, respectively) 1 month after NICU discharge. History of mental health disorder, decreased perception of maternal well-being, decreased maternal comfort regarding infant, and decreased perception of family cohesion were associated with possible depression at 1 month postdischarge.
  
  
  
  Mothers with a previous mental health disorder and experiencing negative perceptions of self and infant at NICU discharge were at increased risk for depressive symptomatology 1 month postdischarge regardless of infant gestational age. Comprehensive mental health assessment prior to discharge is essential to identify women at risk and provide appropriate referral.
authors: Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI; Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI; College of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI. Electronic address: khawes@wihri.org.
authors: Katheleen
authors: K
authors: Hawes
authors: Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI; Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI.
authors: Elisabeth
authors: E
authors: McGowan
authors: Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI.
authors: Melissa
authors: M
authors: O'Donnell
authors: Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI; Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI.
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Tucker
authors: Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI; Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI.
authors: Betty
authors: B
authors: Vohr
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008297:Male; D018570:Risk Assessment; D066252:Sociological Factors
keywords: NICU; depression; maternal perceptions; prematurity; social risk factor