Exploring the lived experiences of fathers with their premature newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit: A phenomenological study

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.