Purpose: Chronic illness in infancy may influence parent-infant interaction. We assessed quality of mother-infant interaction in children with esophageal atresia (EA) and searched for predictors for impaired interaction.
Methods: The study group comprised 37 one-year-old infants with EA born in 1999 to 2002 and their mothers. A comparison group comprised 10 infants with urologic problems without feeding difficulties and their mothers. Parent Child Early Relational Assessment was used to assess mother-child interaction in feeding and play situation. General Health Questionnaire and State Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to assess maternal psychological distress and anxiety.
Results: Many aspects of mother-EA infant interaction showed strength. However, mothers of EA children were compared to control-mothers significantly influenced in their ability to interact and the EA-mothers' "positive affective involvement, sensitivity, and responsiveness" during feeding was in range of concern. Small but significant effect of the mother's feeling of incompetence on their interaction was found.
Conclusion: Mothers' attitude during feeding was negatively influenced in interaction between mother and infant with EA. The results suggest possibility for improvement in mother infant interaction by enhancing mothers' welfare when caring for infants with EA in medical services.