Parent Survey Identifies Low-Cost Emotional and Educational Supports in NICU and Beyond Academic Article uri icon

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abstract

  • Background

    Families face significant mental health challenges after preterm birth. However, there are few low-cost and sustainable services to help with mental health challenges.

    Purpose

    To understand suggestions for low-cost and sustainable mental health supports to help families.

    Methods

    This was an internet-based survey made available to preterm families through the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation social media (Facebook private parents' group).

    Results

    Families reported that peer support, such as connecting with other parents and families who experience preterm birth, was most beneficial. Parents also reported ways to allow families to access the existing mental health services, such as providing child care options and improving advertisement of available resources.

    Implications

    Our results can help implement beneficial low-cost and sustainable mental health supports across many contexts (eg, hospitals and community organization) both in-person and online.

publication date

  • February 2023