WIP 101 - Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Disorder in the Families of Neonates

Poster Number: WIP 101
Publication Number: WIP 101.2401

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic exposures that occur during early life and are linked to numerous medical conditions including mental health disorders. Of particular importance is the association between increased parental ACEs and higher rates of preterm births. Given already baseline increased rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in NICU families, this population represents a particularly vulnerable group needing increased surveillance.

Exposure to stressors such as parental mental health disorders can lead to not only individual effects on physical and mental health but also to epigenomic changes in the offspring and subsequent generations thus self-perpetuating the cycle. ACE surveys provide a potential screening tool to predict families at risk.

Objective: Identify the incidence of ACE exposures in parents of neonates in the NICU.

Examine the extent to which ACE exposures influence rates of parental depression, anxiety, and ASD in a level IV NICU.

Identify rates of parental depression, anxiety, and ASD along with socioeconomic factors that may influence these rates in the NICU.

Design/Methods: This study is a cross-sectional, pilot study using an English-speaking convenience sample within a regional level IV NICU. Data is collected using an anonymous online survey tool that is accessed with QR codes advertised throughout the NICU. Baseline demographic information, socioeconomic status, and relative illness severity are derived from introductory questionnaires. Families are then screened for ACEs, depression, anxiety, and ASD using standardized tools including the PHQ-9, Edinburgh, GAD-7, and ASDS. Data collection of an estimated 50-75 responses will be collected over the course of one year ending December 2023. Since onset 50 participants have enrolled.

Analysis will include linear regression models with covariate correction to explore the relationship between ACE exposures and mental health disorders in the NICU. The estimated study completion is March 2024. The study has been approved by the IRB.