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.