Factors influencing parental posttraumatic stress disorder in cases of fetal abnormality requiring pregnancy termination in China.

Abstract

PURPOSE To estimate the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among parents in cases of fetal abnormalities and associated factors. DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional study. The study sample comprised 169 couples who experienced fetal abnormalities. FINDINGS We observed a high prevalence of PTSD. Fathers had similar levels of PTSD to those of mothers. Social support was an important protective factor against parental PTSD. In addition, a negative psychological reaction to the loss of a child in either the father or the mother affects the other spouse. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This study emphasizes recognizing the importance of social support and of psychological interactions between mothers and fathers in PTSD intervention for parents.