A qualitative study on nursing care information needs and psychological experience of fathers of premature infants in NICU

doi:10.3761/j.issn.0254-1769.2026.18.010

Abstract

Abstract:

Objective To explore the nursing care information needs and psychological experiences of fathers of preterm infants during their infants’ hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit（NICU），and to provide a reference for fathers of preterm infants in developing support strategies. Methods This study employed purposeful sampling methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from March to May 2024 with 15 fathers of preterm infants in a tertiary general hospital in Fujian Province，China. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis method. Results A total of 2 themes and 8 sub-themes were identified：the multidimensional information needs of fathers of preterm infants in the NICU（needs for dynamic updates on the infant’s condition，needs for guidance on mother-infant care procedures，needs for information on post-discharge continuing care，needs for information on professional emergency management）；the psychological experiences of fathers of preterm infants in the NICU（anxiety and fear during acute stress，conflict and fatigue under multiple roles，confusion and alienation during paternal role absence，and insight and growth in coping with adversity）. Conclusion During the hospitalization of preterm infants in the NICU，fathers’ information needs and psychological experiences are multidimensional and complex. Medical staff should provide early attention to fathers’ nursing care information needs and psychological experiences to promote their mental health and role adaptation.

Key words: Preterm Infants, Fathers, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Information Needs, Psychological Experiences, Qualitative Research, Nursing Care

摘要：

目的探讨新生儿监护室（neonatal intensive care unit，NICU）早产儿住院期间其父亲的照护信息需求及心理体验，为制订早产儿父亲支持干预策略提供参考依据。方法采用目的抽样法，于2024年3—5月选取福建省某三级甲等综合医院的15名NICU早产儿父亲作为研究对象，进行半结构式访谈，采用Colaizzi 7步分析法对资料进行整理和分析。结果共归纳出2个主题及8个亚主题：NICU早产儿父亲的多维照护信息需求（对患儿病情动态变化的信息需求、对母婴照护的信息需求、对出院后延续养护的信息需求、对急救专业处置的信息需求）；NICU早产儿父亲的多重心理体验（突发应激下的焦虑与恐惧、多重角色下的冲突与疲惫、父职缺位下的迷茫与疏离、困境应对中的领悟与成长）。结论 NICU早产儿住院期间其父亲的照护信息需求及心理体验呈现多维度和复杂性，医护人员应早期关注早产儿父亲的信息需求和心理体验，以促进其心理健康与角色适应。

关键词: 早产儿, 父亲, 新生儿重症监护室, 信息需求, 心理体验, 质性研究, 护理

ZHENG Jianhuang, ZHANG Longyu, KANG Zhenzhen, LI Fulian, XU Shanshan. A qualitative study on nursing care information needs and psychological experience of fathers of premature infants in NICU[J]. Chinese Journal of Nursing, 2026, 61(18): 2526-2531.

郑剑煌, 张龙雨, 康珍珍, 李福连, 许珊珊. NICU早产儿父亲照护信息需求及心理体验的质性研究[J]. 中华护理杂志, 2026, 61(18): 2526-2531.

Figures/Tables 1

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