Anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder in parents of children born with esophageal atresia

ABSTRACT
Neonates with esophageal atresia (EA) require admission to the neonatal intensive care unit and undergo surgery early after birth. These parents encounter potential stressors that can contribute to mental health manifestations including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. The primary objective of this study was to examine the occurrence of PTSD symptoms and anxiety among parents of EA children.
We conducted an ambi-directional cohort study that included parents of EA children followed-up in our unit, between 2021 and 2023. Two separate questionnaires were completed by the parents during the child’s visit: the Perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder questionnaire (PPQ), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). During the study period, 20 parents completed 28 questionnaires. The mean PPQ score was 3.72, ranging from 0 to 12. Six parents had a PPQ score of 6 or higher indicative of a risk to develop PTSD: 2 with a score of 6 and one each with a score of 9, 10, 11 and 12. The mean State STAI was 46 ± 7, 14% of which had a score of >55 indicating high anxiety levels at the time of visit. Similarly, the mean Trait STAI was 46 ± 5, with only one parent (4%) scoring above 55.
It is important to identify potential symptoms of PTSD and anxiety in parents of EA children early on, allowing for timely referral for counselling and treatment. This approach benefits both the parental mental well-being and the overall adjustment and coping of the entire family.