The influence of infant characteristics on postpartum depression among mothers with hospitalized infant in NICU

The purpose of the study to determine the prevalence of mother postpartum depression and to examine the association between infant characteristics and postpartum depression in the neonatal intensive care unit.

A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was conducted in three government teaching hospitals in Jordan. A convenience sample of 188 mothers with hospitalized 188 infants in NICU was recruited. Questionnaires were used to collect the quantitative data, which include Infant Demographic Data Questionnaire, Mother Demographic Data Questionnaire and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The study revealed that infant characteristics such as gestational age, medical condition classification, and birth weight are found to be significant factors that influence depression among mothers.

The results showed that mothers with infants admitted to NICU experience postpartum depression with a mean of 3.82 and median of 4.04. There were significant differences based on gestational age, birth weight, and classification of medical condition and mothers’ postpartum depression.

Knowing the relationship of certain infant’s characteristics and postpartum depression can help to focus on relevant infant characteristics so that timely interventions to improve mothers’ well-being can be developed.