A comparison of fathers of high-risk newborns and fathers of healthy newborns.
Eighteen fathers of healthy newborns were matched and compared with 18 fathers of newborns with health problems at birth to determine if there is a relationship between the newborn's health status and paternal perceptions, behaviors, and adjustment to fatherhood. A series of questionnaires were administered during the newborn's hospitalization and at 1 and 3 months after discharge. Fathers of newborns with health problems performed significantly more infant care (p less than 0.005) behaviors and were found to have higher adjustment to parenthood scores (p less than 0.0381) 1 month after discharge than fathers of healthy newborns. No differences were found between the two groups 3 months after discharge.
Brown
P
P
Rustia
J
J
Schappert
P
P
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D005220:Fathers / Q000523:psychology*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009732:Nursing Care; D010332:Paternal Behavior; D012380:Role; D012649:Self Concept