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An active pursuit of reassurance—coping strategies of fathers with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

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Abstract

Objective

This study aims to explore coping strategies of fathers of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Study design

A qualitative descriptive study among fathers of VLBW babies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 fathers until data saturation was achieved. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) checklist was used for reporting.

Results

The overarching theme was an active pursuit of reassurance. Coping strategies revolved around identifying specific stressors and then making deliberate efforts to address them. Based on the main stressors identified, three subthemes were derived: pursuing information amidst uncertainty, bonding with the infant for normalcy and seeking emotional support in the midst of anxiety. Fathers took on a predominantly problem-focused approach.

Conclusions

Empowering fathers with knowledge and emotional support, facilitating bonding with the infant and addressing their concerns are important in supporting them while having an infant in the NICU.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Dr Dimple Rajgor for her assistance in editing, formatting, reviewing, and in submitting the manuscript for publication.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore

    Berenice Xueli Lian, Zubair Amin, Sonoko Sensaki & Ramkumar Aishworiya

  2. Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

    Zubair Amin & Ramkumar Aishworiya

Authors
  1. Berenice Xueli Lian
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  2. Zubair Amin
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  3. Sonoko Sensaki
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  4. Ramkumar Aishworiya
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Contributions

BXL—contributed in drafting the interview questions, conducting the interviews, transcribing of the audio-recorded interview into a verbatim written format, data analysis, drafting the manuscript and approval of the version submitted. ZA—contributed in conceptualizing the study, critical review of the interview questions, data analysis, resolution of conflicts for data analysis, critical review of the manuscript, and approval of the version submitted. SS—contributed in conducting the literature search, critical review of the manuscript, and approval of the version submitted. RA—contributed in conceptualizing the study, critical review of the interview questions, verifying the transcript independently, data analysis, critical review of the manuscript, and approval of the version submitted.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ramkumar Aishworiya.

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Lian, B.X., Amin, Z., Sensaki, S. et al. An active pursuit of reassurance—coping strategies of fathers with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. J Perinatol 41, 2019–2027 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-020-00853-2

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