Stress in fathers of premature newborns admitted in a neonatal intensive care unit

ObjectiveTo study stress in fathers of preterm infants admitted in a neonatal intensive care unit.MethodsQuestionnaire-based study. Questionnaire included domains on infant’s health, maternal illness, staff behavior, parental role, home affairs and finances. Eligible fathers were repeatedly interviewed on day 7 (n=80), day 17 (n=59) and day 27 (n=28). Raw and standardized stress scores were calculated.ResultsFinancial burden was the main stressor at all times. Stress related to staff behavior and altered parental role reduced with time. Birthweight and father’s age, occupation and education independently predicted stress.ConclusionsFathers of preterm infants admitted in hospital are stressed, primarily due to financial burden.