J Pediatr Nurs. 2025 Sep 16;85:458-466. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2025.09.006. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Premature neonates’ birth and admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) produce unique and significant challenges for the family. However, the paternal experience, specifically fathers, remains significantly under-studied. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of fathers with hospitalized premature neonate, particularly their emotional, psychological, and social challenges.
METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in the NICUs of the two largest governmental teaching hospitals in Jordan. A phenomenological approach with face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 42 fathers of hospitalized premature infants. The van Manen’s phenomenological approach was used to analyze the data and identify themes and subthemes.
RESULTS: Three core themes emerged from the analysis: 1) the psychological response, 2) the stressors in NICU, and 3) the crisis impact. They are further classified into eleven subthemes including: shock, sadness, shames, the NICU physical environment, infant appearance and behavior, father role, health care professionals’ communication and behavior, lack of knowledge, physical impact, psychological impact, and social impact.
CONCLUSION: Fathers of premature neonates in NICU settings experience physical, psychological, emotional, and social challenges, highlighting the need for family-centered care and targeted support interventions to address these challenges.
PMID:40961509 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedn.2025.09.006
