Clinical Report: Exploring PTSD Symptoms in Fathers of Preterm Infants

Overview

This study investigates PTSD symptoms in fathers of preterm infants in the NICU and evaluates the effects of kangaroo care interventions. Key findings indicate that certain factors, including social support and education level, are independent risk factors for PTSD symptoms, and kangaroo care significantly improves psychological outcomes.

Background

Preterm birth affects a significant number of families, with fathers often experiencing high levels of psychological distress similar to mothers. The mental health of fathers in the NICU has been under-researched, despite evidence suggesting they also face considerable emotional challenges. Understanding and addressing these issues is crucial for improving family support and overall outcomes in neonatal care.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• 62 out of 251 fathers screened positive for PTSD symptoms.
• Independent risk factors for PTSD included illness uncertainty, social support, and education level.
• The nomogram prediction model showed high accuracy (AUC = 0.872).
• Kangaroo care significantly improved PTSD symptom rates and depressive symptoms (p < 0.05).
• Factors such as infant birth weight and paternal occupation were also linked to PTSD risk.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider screening fathers of preterm infants for PTSD symptoms, particularly those identified as high-risk based on the study's findings. Implementing kangaroo care interventions may serve as a beneficial strategy to improve mental health outcomes for these fathers.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of recognizing PTSD symptoms in fathers of preterm infants and the potential benefits of kangaroo care interventions. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore causal relationships.

Related Resources & Content

1. Intensive Care Medicine, 2025 -- Impact of the Caregiver Pathway Intervention on Long-Term Symptoms of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome in Family Caregivers of Critically Ill Patients
2. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Practices and challenges of family involvement in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across Asia: a multinational survey of the Asian neonatal network
3. Intensive Care Medicine, 2010 -- An In-Depth Investigation of Parental Experiences in Seven Pediatric Intensive Care Units in the Netherlands
4. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Early-life painful and stressful exposures and neurodevelopment in preterm infants
5. Parent mental health - ESCNH - European Standards of Care for Newborn Health
6. New England Journal of Medicine, 2021 -- Immediate “Kangaroo Mother Care” and Survival of Infants with Low Birth Weight
7. ScienceDirect -- The risk factors of post-traumatic stress disorder among parents of neonatal intensive care unit infants: A systematic review
8. Parent mental health - ESCNH - European Standards of Care for Newborn Health
9. Immediate “Kangaroo Mother Care” and Survival of Infants with Low Birth Weight | New England Journal of Medicine
10. The risk factors of post-traumatic stress disorder among parents of neonatal intensive care unit infants: A systematic review - ScienceDirect