Exploring parental stress among parents of preterm infants born at ≤34 weeks gestation: A cross-sectional analysis at 3-6 weeks postpartum

Introduction: With increasing survival rates of extremely low birth weight preterm infants, the challenges faced by parents have become more complex. However, studies analysing caregiver burden in preterm birth, particularly in developing countries, are limited.
Objectives: To evaluate parental stress at 3–6 weeks following preterm birth and analyse the various factors involved therein. 
Method: Over 18 months, we interviewed 126 parents of ≤34-week gestation babies at 3–6 weeks postpartum. Additionally, participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire.
Results: Our study revealed that 27% of preterm mothers experienced anxiety and 14% reported depression, with coexistence being common. Infant factors such as birth weight, resuscitation need, medical status, and duration of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay influenced maternal stress. Furthermore, socioeconomic conditions exacerbated parental stress.
Conclusions: In our study 27% preterm mothers experienced anxiety and 14% reported depression. Birth weight, resuscitation need, medical status, and duration of NICU stay influenced maternal stress. Socioeconomic conditions also exacerbated parental stress.