Background Parent-infant attachment is fundamental for child's mental and physical health, as well as for parents’ wellbeing. Preterm birth and hospitalization interrupt the natural process of attachment and restrictions due to the pandemic may have exacerbated this disruption. Methods This observational study investigated parental attachment at postpartum and after 4 months, and its possible relation with psychological measures, among NICU parents during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Thirty-six parents of 23 NICU infants were involved. At 7-14 days after delivery, parents were assessed for NICU-related stress, COVID-19-related stress, anxiety, risk of postnatal depression and parental attachment. At 4 months after birth, parental attachment was assessed again. Results At 7-14 days postpartum, the parental attachment dimension Pleasure in Interaction was inversely correlated with trait anxiety and depression. Depressive symptoms were also inversely correlated with Patience and Tolerance and Attachment Total Score. Four months after birth, we still found a significant inverse correlation between Pleasure in Interaction and, in addition, Attachment Total Score, and depressive symptoms at 7-14. Conclusion The findings confirm the importance of early assessment of parental mental health, especially depression and anxiety symptoms. This would enable interventions to protect and facilitate the parent-child bond even in emergencies such as premature birth or global health emergency.
Polloni et al. (Mon,) studied this question.