Long-term implications of the NICU experience for individual and familial well-being

• In Event: Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: PS 13 Topic - Prevention and Interventions

Abstract

Although up to 80% of women in the total population experience some type of postpartum symptoms (Manjunath et al., 2011), women with newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience postpartum depression (PPD) at higher rates than non-NICU mothers (Tahirkheli et al., 2014). One study found that PPD for NICU mothers might be as high as 70% with 25% meeting the criteria for a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis (Kim et al., 2015). While these numbers are high, there are barriers to mental health services provided in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and after the postpartum insurance period have ended (Hatters Friedman et al., 2013). Research by Wyatt et al. (2019) found in a study of 127 women that NICU admission of a newborn is a significant predictor of postpartum depressive symptomology. Despite the risks for poorer psychological functioning for mothers of newborns admitted to the NICU, virtually no studies examine long-term consequences of a traumatic birth or NICU experience for families. The primary goal of this qualitative study is to better understand the long-term consequences of a traumatic birth experience and time spent in the NICU for women and families.

Data and Methods
To achieve this goal, my research question is, “What memories remain most salient about a traumatic birth and NICU experience that occurred in the past?” To answer this question, I have conducted one observation of a NICU non-HIPAA environment, completed two of six (minimum; more could be added for saturation) one-on-one interviews, and collected relevant artifacts related to the observed NICU.

Methodology. For inclusion in the study, the interviewed women will have been discharged with their child from the NICU a minimum of seven years prior to examine the long-term implications of the traumatic birth and NICU experience. A qualitative approach will be used to examine a woman’s NICU experience in “great depth with careful attention to detail, context, and nuance” (Patton, 2015, p. 257). I will use a constructionist epistemology, which seeks to capture each woman’s individual and unique interpretations of the NICU experience (Patton, 2015). Additionally, I will utilize an interpretivism theoretical perspective, which helps to illuminate each woman’s individual interpretation and understanding of the NICU experience (Patton, 2015). My methodology will be a case study.

Analysis & Preliminary Results. As I collect my data, I will simultaneously code. I will use open coding and moved onto inductive coding. Patton (2015) suggests to “note and record emergent patterns and possible themes while still in the field” (p. 523). Using these coding methods, I have identified twenty-one categories and five predominant themes from the collected data from my coursework interviews to-date.

Implications & Feasibility
Achieving this goal can advance family science within the medical and therapeutic communities for improved infant/child bonding and attachment as well as improve the physical and mental health outcomes for mothers and medically–fragile newborns.
Due to COVID-19, these interviews are taking place virtually with the virtual session recorded and sent to a transcription service. Therefore, I do not expect any issues to arise concerning the feasibility of the study.

Author

• Tara Wyatt, Oklahoma State University - Tulsa
  Presenting Author