Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2632089 | Journal of Neonatal Nursing | 2008 | 10 Pages |
The main objective of this study was to determine the pattern of change in family function, resources, coping and distress over the first year following the birth of a sick newborn. This study involved 152 two-parent families of infants who required intensive care at birth. Well validated questionnaires were administered: in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and at 3-, 6- and 12-months post-discharge. The results indicated that most changes occurred in the time period from NICU to 3-months: 1) both mothers and fathers showed a significant decline in family function (p < 0.0001); 2) mothers showed a significant decrease in resources (p = 0.03); and 3) both mothers and fathers showed a significant decrease in distress scores (p < 0.0001). There was only one significant change from 3 to 6 months: fathers showed an increase in resources (p = 0.04). Although the frequency of depression decreases after the first 3 months for most parents, 20% of parents continue to report depression over the next 9 months.