Coping strategies, psychological reactions, and supportive needs of fathers with premature newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

PurposeThe research aimed to determine the psychological reactions, coping strategies, and support needs of fathers of newborns in the NICU. Methods210 fathers of preterm newborns in the NICU in Iran completed the hospital anxiety and depression questionnaire, Abbreviated form of Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory (Brief-Cope), and fathers' support needs questionnaire. ResultsThe mean (SD) of depression and anxiety scores were 9.51 (2.3) and 9.05 (2.2), respectively. 63% of the fathers used emotion-oriented coping methods. Most of their support needs were expressed in self and family care dimensions. The results showed a significant correlation between avoidance coping strategies and fathers' depression (r = 0.15, P = 0.02). ConclusionConsidering the experience of anxiety and depression in the fathers of preterm newborns hospitalized in NICU departments, nurses must support them. They can manage fathers' psychological reactions by identifying and meeting their support needs. Nurses should plan interventions that reduce fathers' use of avoidant coping strategies.