Predictors of depressive symptom trajectories in mothers of preterm or low birth weight infants

J Fam Psychol. 2009 Oct;23(5):690-704. doi: 10.1037/a0016117.

Abstract

Predictors of maternal depression trajectories were examined longitudinally in families with an infant born preterm or at a low birth weight. A total of 181 mother-infant dyads enrolled in the study before the infant's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed at 5 timepoints, and contextual variables and infant risks were assessed at NICU discharge. Hierarchical linear models revealed that mothers who experienced more risk factors reported more depressive symptoms just before their infant's NICU discharge and showed less decline in depressive symptoms in the months immediately following the child's birth. Although cumulative risks predicted depression trajectories, this effect appeared driven by maternal and family sociodemographic risks rather than infant risks. Addition of family support as a covariate in the multilevel models with a subsample of families revealed that social support and depression covaried across time. However, most of the findings regarding the association between risk and depression remained consistent, whereas the effects of maternal race and multiple birth were slightly attenuated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Depression, Postpartum / diagnosis
  • Depression, Postpartum / psychology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / psychology*
  • Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
  • Male
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychometrics
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Support
  • Young Adult