A different kind of battle: the effects of NICU admission on military parent mental health

Objective To determine the incidence of mental health symptoms in military families after prolonged NICU admission. Study design Prospective cohort study of military-affiliated NICU parents participating in serial electronic surveys, which included validated screening tools for acute stress (ASD), post-traumatic stress (PTSD), and depression disorders. Results Among 106 military parents surveyed after NICU admission, 24.5% screened positive for ASD and 28.3% for depression. 77 (72.6%) parents continued participation beyond discharge, with 7.8% screening positive for PTSD and 15.6% for late depression. Positive ASD correlated with later symptoms of PTSD (OR 8.4 [2.4-30]) and early depression with both PTSD symptoms (OR 5.7 [1.7-18.8]) and late depression (OR 8.4 [2.4-30]) after discharge. Secondary analysis determined these findings were independent of deployment and other military related factors. Conclusion This study highlights the potential mental health burden experienced by military-affiliated NICU parents. Early ASD and depression screening may identify parents at risk for mental health symptoms after discharge.