Experiences of Fathers of Babies Admitted into a Neonatal Unit in a Tertiary Hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Chapter 01 | Emerging Research in Medical Sciences Vol. 1
Introduction:
In time past mothers were regarded as sole caregivers of NICU babies, however
the fathers’ role is now increasingly being recognized. Mothers are involved in
providing care such as feeding, hygiene, and kangaroo mother care. Fathers are
usually called on for medical bills and usually enter the neonatal unit for
observational visits. The aim of the study was to determine experiences of
fathers during the hospitalization of their babies in the neonatal intensive
care unit (NICU) which is referred to as the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of
University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: This was a
cross sectional study carried out in the neonatal clinic of UPTH over a period
of 10 weeks. Participants were fathers who had brought their babies for follow
up. Information obtained using interviewer administered questionnaires included
biodata, occupation and experiences during their babies’ stay in SCBU.
Results: There were thirty seven
participants, 15 (40.5%) of whom were in the middle socioeconomic class.
Generally the experience was described as stressful by 25 (62.5%), confusing by
5 (12%), and pleasant by 7 (18.9%) fathers.
Contributors to stress were financial implications of babies’ care (13: 35.1%),
illness in the mother (5: 13.5%), lack of care for other children (16: 43.2%)
and worries about procedures and equipment used on their babies (14; 37.8%).
Fathers also experienced disruptions in family (14; 35.1%) and social life (22;
55%). Thirty three (82.5%) fathers had family support. Religion and prayers
were some of the strategies fathers employed to cope with their stress.
Conclusion: Fathers found the SCBU
experience stressful. The financial burden of care contributed to the stress
and some fathers resorted to prayers as a coping mechanism.
Author(s) Details
P. I. Opara
Department of Paediatrics,
University of Port Harcourt / University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital,
Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
E. A. Alinnor
Department of Paediatrics,
University of Port Harcourt / University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital,
Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
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