Grunberg VA, Geller PA, Hoffman C, Patterson CA. A biopsychosocial model of NICU family adjustment and child development.
J Perinatol 2023;
43:510-517. [PMID:
36550281 PMCID:
PMC10148647 DOI:
10.1038/s41372-022-01585-1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Although infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) are at risk for developmental impairments and parents are at risk for emotional distress, factors that explain outcomes remain unknown. Here, we developed the first biopsychosocial model to explain family adjustment after NICU discharge.
METHODS
Participants included 101 families at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Neonatal Follow-Up Program who had been discharged 1.5-2.5 years prior. We gathered data using validated assessments, standardized assessments, and electronic medical records.
RESULTS
Our structural equation model, informed by the Double ABC-X Model, captured the dynamic relationships among infant, parent, couple, and family factors. Infant medical severity, posttraumatic stress, couple functioning, and family resources (e.g., time, money) were key for family adjustment and child development.
CONCLUSIONS
Interventions that target parental posttraumatic stress, couple dynamics, parental perception of time for themselves, and access to financial support could be key for improving NICU family outcomes.
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