Esophageal atresia and parental psychological distress in the neonatal period.

BACKGROUND

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a rare congenital malformation requiring neonatal surgery and intensive care. Parents may experience distress, but there are few studies on influencing factors. This study aimed to assess psychological distress in parents of neonates with EA and identify predictors of parental distress.

METHODS

Parents of neonates with EA born 2019-2025 were invited. Psychological distress was assessed with GHQ-30 and traumatic stress with IES-R at a median of 9 days after birth. Clinical data were collected from medical records.

RESULTS

Out of 126 invited parents, 113 participated (58 mothers, 55 fathers). Rates of GHQ-30 cases (score≥6) were higher in mothers (82%) than fathers (70%) (p < 0.005), with higher mean Likert scores (43.0 vs 36.8, p = 0.027). Mothers reported higher traumatic stress than fathers (31.1 vs 24.8, p = 0.036), with 46% vs 30% > 33, indicating symptoms of probable posttraumatic stress reactions or adjustment disorder. Maternal traumatic stress was associated with older age and primiparity, while paternal traumatic stress was linked to pregnancy complications and longer time from birth to admission to the surgical ward. Paternal GHQ-cases were characterized by lower gestational age (p = 0.034) and lower paternal age (p = 0.036), whereas no significant characteristics for maternal GHQ-30 cases were identified.

CONCLUSION

Both mothers and fathers experienced substantial psychological distress after birth. Mothers reported higher distress than fathers. We advise that all EA parents are offered consultation with mental health professionals, in addition to extra attention being given to older and first-time mothers, and younger fathers of premature neonates.