Pilot study of experiences and needs of 111 fathers of very low birth weight infants in a neonatal intensive care unit

Objective:to study the experiences and needs of the fathers of very low birth weight (vlbw, <1500 g) infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (nicu).study design:an anonymous self-report questionnaire was administered to fathers of vlbw infants born between jan 1, 2008 and december 31, 2009 at two tertiary nicus.result:a total of 111 of 273 fathers responded to the questionnaire. responses to a variety of items, including self-perception, parenting attitudes, confidence, emotional pressure to satisfaction and self-efficacy as a parent were similar for the fathers of this survey and previous results for mothers of vlbw infants. fathers judged direct bedside support by the nicu team as sufficient. however, 54.4% of fathers reported missing nonbedside interventions such as vlbw father-specific baby care courses, seminars or workshops, and platforms or chatrooms on the internet.conclusion:bedside support of fathers, accomplished by the nicu team, could be complemented by additional father-specific non-bedside support, such as peer-education measures or interactive mass media.