Document Type
Honors Thesis
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety are significant concerns for mothers with infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs); yet the role of parity in shaping these experiences remains underexplored. This cross-sectional secondary analysis examined data from 82 NICU mothers (62 adults, 20 adolescents) using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and anxiety subscale. Findings revealed that primiparas and adolescents exhibited higher depression scores and multiparas and adolescents were more likely to experience anxiety symptoms. Parity, however, was not found to be a significant factor capable of predicting PPD or anxiety but results highlight the importance of early screening, personalized mental health support, and postpartum care tailored to parity and age differences. Further research should explore additional risk factors, such as socioeconomic status, social support, and access to mental health care, to enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes among large, more diverse samples.
Disciplines
Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing | Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Publication Date
5-2025
Language
English
Faculty Mentor of Honors Project
Cheryl Anderson
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Diaz-Miranda, Jennifer L., "Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Between First-Time and Multiparous Mothers of Infants in the NICU" (2025). 2025 Spring Honors Capstone Projects. 3.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/honors_spring2025/3
Included in
Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons