Short summary

A multicenter study aimin to support fathers of preterm infants in early parenthood We hypothesize that support based on needs through health care interventions to fathers of preterm infants can increase confidence and mood, reduce stress, improve the infant's social-emotional behavior and cognitive development.

Rationale

Father's involvement in early parenthood can benefit health and wellbeing for both himself, the mother, and the infant. Infants benefit from cognitive and social development, and fathers' engagement has been shown to improve relational functioning in childhood, decrease behavioral problems in adolescence, and increase educational outcomes. But when the infant is born preterm and needs admission to the neonatal unit the fathers can feel on side side compared to mothers and that they are not involved in infant care and decision making. These feelings and experiences negatively affect the early parenthood for the fathers. The aim of the study is to support fathers through a co-created intervention. The intervention will be evaluted on process and effect.

Description of the cohort

The study is a multicenter study with participation from 9 neonatal units in Denmark (Aalborg, Gødstrup, Aarhus, Odense, Holbæk, Slagelse, Roskilde, Hvidovre og Rigshospitalet). The cohort is first-time fathers, their partners (the infant's mother) and the infant. The father - and the mother - will be included in the study during the infant's admission. They will recieve questionnaires at infant two weeks corrected age, and four and nine months corrected age.

Data and biological material

Demographic data will be obtained through questionnaires. The following validated instruments will be used to evaluate effect of the intervention: -Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale (KPCS) - Parental Stress Scale (PSS) - Gotland scale (male depression) - Parental reflective functioning questionnaire - infant version (PRFQ-I) - Family Assessment Device (FAD) - Ages & stages Questionnaire - Social - Emotional (ASQ:SE)

Collaborating researchers and departments

Peadiatric Department, Amanger-Hvidovre Hospital

• Anne Brødsgaard

Publications associated with the project

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