Kangaroo father care to reduce paternal stress levels: A prospective observational before-after study

J Neonatal Perinatal Med. 2020;13(3):403-411. doi: 10.3233/NPM-180190.

Abstract

Objective: The objective was to assess stress in fathers of preterm infants and use of "Kangaroo Father Care (KFC)" to mitigate it.

Study design: Stress levels of 30 fathers of preterm infants admitted in the NICU were assessed using the parental stressor scale: neonatal intensive care unit (PSS: NICU) before and after three sessions of KFC. The data was analysed using Wilcoxon signed rank sum test.

Result: There was a statistically significant reduction in stress levels after KFC (p = 0.006). Amongst all the four subscales, stress levels were found to be reduced in 'staff behaviour and communication' (p = 0.001) domain and 'baby looks and behaves' domain (p = 0.05).

Conclusion: Fathers of preterm infants admitted in the NICU experience a lot of stress, which can adversely affect their mental health. Kangaroo care is very effective in reducing this paternal stress levels.

Keywords: Paternal stress; kangaroo care; preterm neonates; pssnicu.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Fathers / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature / psychology
  • Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
  • Kangaroo-Mother Care Method* / methods
  • Kangaroo-Mother Care Method* / psychology
  • Male
  • Mental Health
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Parenting / psychology
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • Psychological Tests
  • Stress, Psychological* / diagnosis
  • Stress, Psychological* / etiology
  • Stress, Psychological* / prevention & control