Anxiety Among Black and Latina Mothers of Premature Infants at Social-Environmental Risk

Anxiety is heightened for mothers of premature infants, potentially interfering with early mothering. This study describes relationships among race/ethnicity, language, and anxiety for women at social-environmental risk who deliver a premature infant. Postnatal baseline interview data from a randomized trial testing a behavioral intervention for mothers and infants (29–34 weeks gestational age) were used to examine maternal state (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y1) and trait (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y2) anxiety among blacks and Latinas, and by language preference. Latinas (n = 97) had an elevated prevalence of high (≥ 40) state anxiety compared to blacks (n = 97), with Latinas preferring a Spanish to an English interview reporting the highest levels of state anxiety. Trait anxiety did not differ across groups. Culturally appropriate interventions are needed to reduce anxiety among Latina mothers delivering premature infants, especially among those with limited English language proficiency. The combination of a racially/ethnically diverse workforce, bilingual healthcare providers, and trained medical interpreters may help to ensure better outcomes.