PDF icon Download PDF
Am J Perinatol 2021; 38(13): 1420-1427
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1713179
Original Article

Juggling Multiple Roles amidst Uncertainty: The Asian Father's Perspective of an Infant in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Berenice Xueli Lian
1   Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
,
Zubair Amin
2   Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
,
Ramkumar Aishworiya
1   Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.
› Further Information
Also available ateRefHebammen
   Permissions and Reprints
Preview

Abstract

Objective Parents of preterm, very low birthweight (VLBW) infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) undergo emotional turmoil. Studies on parent's experiences typically focus on the maternal perspective. The purpose of the study is to explore the emotional needs and experiences of fathers of VLBW neonates in the NICU and to identify ways to improve their experiences.

Study Design This was a qualitative descriptive design study undertaken at the NICU of a tertiary university hospital. Convenience sampling with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria was used to identify prospective participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 fathers of infants until data saturation was reached. The COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies) checklist was used.

Results Father's experiences were classified into the topics of concerns, roles, and perspectives. Uncertainty was a predominant theme in each of these. Fathers assume multiple roles toward the child, wife, self, and family. Their concerns were multifaceted involving the child, family, work, and finances; they experienced a myriad of emotions, but these evolved into resilience eventually.

Conclusion Fathers have unique concerns pertinent to having an infant in the NICU. They juggle multiple roles and transition to emotions of resilience. It is imperative to acknowledge the uncertainty and diverse roles of fathers, provide them with customized information, and develop more balanced parent-support groups.

Key Points

  • Fathers juggle multiple roles with a child in NICU.

  • Uncertainty is a key part of their experience.

  • Acknowledging their role and emotions is important.

Keywords

preterm infants - fathers - neonatal intensive care - emotions - concerns - perspective

Note

The data was presented as a poster at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting in Baltimore in 2019.




Publication History

Received: 30 January 2020

Accepted: 07 May 2020

Article published online:
11 June 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA