Abstract
BackgroundPregnancy, childbirth, and parenting can cause different emotional reactions in fathers, in addition to mothers, including fear of childbirth. PurposeTo compares the fear of childbirth among fathers of preterm and term infants. Study designThis cross-sectional study included 157 fathers with preterm neonates (below 37 weeks) and 314 with term neonates (above 37 weeks) in Tabriz, Iran. The instruments used for data collection included socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics and paternal fear of childbirth questionnaires. The data were analyzed using a general linear model. ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the total score of fear of childbirth (p < 0.001). Also, a multivariate general linear model with adjusted socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics found no significant difference in the fear of childbirth between the fathers of term and preterm neonates. There was a statistically significant association between a father's fear of birthing and his wife's gestational age and parity, with men who had primiparous women and premature infants reporting the greatest levels of anxiety. ConclusionThis study found that first-time fathers whose spouses are primiparous and whose gestational ages are short tend to fear childbirth more. Providing support and interventions during the prenatal period is essential for reducing this anxiety.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
