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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Prevalence in NICU Parents: New Study Reveals

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— 1 min read

Families whose infants are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) often experience significant stress and anxiety, potentially leading to various physical and emotional health issues. According to a recent research study, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of gut-brain interaction in adults, and its symptoms can be triggered or exacerbated by NICU hospitalization. In this new study, researchers from the University of Naples Federico II investigated the relationship between NICU stressors, anxiety, and IBS symptoms in mothers and fathers of NICU infants.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 59.1% of mothers and 44.6% of fathers scored above the clinical cut-off for IBS, with mothers experiencing significantly higher symptoms than fathers (p = .021).
  • Anxiety fully mediated the effect of NICU stressors (such as Sights and Sounds, Infant Look and Behaviour, and Parental Role Alterations) on IBS symptoms.
  • The study demonstrated for the first time that parents of NICU infants experience IBS symptoms during hospitalization and distinguished the somatic experience among mothers and fathers during their infant NICU stay.
  • Authors emphasized the importance of integrating tailored stress-reduction interventions sensitive to gender differences into Family Centered-Care practices to reduce parental distress and support parental involvement during NICU hospitalization.

Statistics:

  • 44.6% of fathers and 59.1% of mothers scored above the clinical cut-off for IBS (p = .021).
  • Anxiety fully mediated the effect of NICU stressors on IBS symptoms:

* Sights and Sounds: b = 0.147, SE = 0.058, 95% CI: [0.046, 0.277]

* Infant Look and Behaviour: b = 0.117, SE = 0.049, 95% CI: [0.024, 0.215]

* Parental Role Alterations: b = 0.132, SE = 0.050, 95% CI: [0.044, 0.241]

  • 80 parents (mothers = 44, fathers = 36) of NICU hospitalized infants participated in the study.

Sources:

  • The relationship among NICU stressors and irritable bowel syndrome in parents during their infant stay: the mediating role of anxiety. Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 2025;51(1):277.
  • Italian Journal of Pediatrics, Bmc, Campus, 4 Crinan St, London N1 9XW, England (www.biomedcentral.com/, www.ijponline.net)

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