Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Mothers and Fathers of Very Preterm Infants Over the First 2 Years

Objective: Mothers and fathers of infants born very preterm (VPT) are at increased risk for posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs), such as reexperiencing the event, persistent avoidance, or increased reactivity within the early months, compared with parents of term-born infants. This study aimed to assess PTSSs in mothers and fathers of VPT infants over the first 2 years of life, including changes over time and relationship with medical and social risk.

Method: A longitudinal, prospective, cohort study of PTSSs in parents of VPT infants. PTSS was assessed at term equivalent age (TEA) and 12 and 24 months using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Specific Version. Participants were 105 parents of 131 infants born at <30 weeks' gestational age with PTSS data at least once (92 mothers and/or 75 fathers).

Results: At TEA and 12 and 24 months, elevated PTSSs were reported by 36%, 22%, and 18% of mothers and 35%, 25%, and 19% of fathers, respectively. The mean symptom scores and rates of elevated PTSSs declined over time: mean (95% confidence interval) change in PTSS score per year = -1.52 (-2.33 to -0.72, p < 0.001). There was little evidence for difference in these patterns for mothers or fathers (interaction p = 0.46 [total score] and 0.71 [elevated category]) or that medical and social risk were associated with PTSSs over time.

Conclusion: Although the rates of parents experiencing clinically elevated symptoms declined over time, it is concerning that one-fifth of mothers and fathers reported elevated PTSSs at 24 months. Further research is needed to identify factors associated with increased risk and resilience for PTSSs after VPT birth in mothers and fathers to provide effective and appropriate support.