Predictors of Parenting Readiness in Fathers of High-Risk Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

J Pediatr. 2020 Feb:217:192-195.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.09.078. Epub 2019 Nov 5.

Abstract

To evaluate discharge readiness perceptions among mother-father dyads, parents of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit completed a parenting readiness survey. Fathers had more favorable perceptions than their partners. Maternal perceptions and social risk, but not infant morbidities, predicted paternal perceptions. Discharge support should focus on the mother-father dyad.

Keywords: NICU discharge; fathers; parenting readiness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Fathers / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Parenting / psychology*
  • Patient Discharge / statistics & numerical data*
  • Perception*
  • Self Report
  • Surveys and Questionnaires