Symptoms of anxiety and depression in mothers of preterm newborns after hospital discharge: A scoping review

Preterm birth is a stressful and potentially traumatic experience for mothers, often leading to psychological distress, including symptoms of anxiety and depression that may persist after hospital discharge. This scoping review aimed to map the available evidence on the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in mothers of preterm newborns (PTNBs) after discharge and to identify associated risk factors. The review was conducted using the databases VHL, MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, covering studies published between January 2014 and March 2025. The methodology followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Eleven studies were included. Anxiety and depression symptoms were common among mothers of PTNBs post-discharge. Clinical maternal and neonatal conditions, along with socioeconomic factors, were associated with higher risk. Understanding the persistence and determinants of maternal psychological distress after preterm birth is crucial for developing interventions that support maternal mental health and promote healthy child development.