Dwi Sona, Mochamad Nursalim, Evi Winingsih, Denok Setiawati, Titin Indah Pratiwi
This letter critically examines the study by Darby et al. (2026), which documented neonatal nurses' perceptions of parental post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence and trauma triggers in Northern Ireland. While the findings represent a valuable clinical contribution, two observations warrant attention. First, the reliance on nurse-perceived prevalence rather than validated instruments raises interpretive concerns, as nurses may conflate normative acute stress with clinical PTSD, particularly among parents experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. Second, the structural role of socioeconomic status (SES) in mediating key trauma stressors, including infant–parent separation and access to psychological support, remains unaddressed. We argue that SES is not a peripheral variable but a central determinant of parental PTSD exposure, visibility, and recovery. Future iterations of the Neo-SILT programme should incorporate validated screening tools stratified by SES indicators and ensure that clinical recommendations are equitably applicable across the socioeconomic spectrum. © 2026 Neonatal Nurses Association.
Guidance and Counseling, Mulawarman University, Samarinda, Indonesia; Guidance and Counseling, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia
