Sociodemographic Predictors of Bonding among Fathers of Preterm Infants (PS2b)

Abstract Text: Fathers are prone to delayed bonding with their preterm infants. Available evidence about fathers’ and their infants’ demographics (e.g. fathers’ age and infants’ BW) is inconclusive. Thus, limits neonatal nurses’ ability to identify fathers who are at risk of delayed bonding to intervene early. Guided by the model of parenting process, this study aims to explore fathers’ and infants’ sociodemographic predictors of bonding for fathers of prematurely born infants. We employed a cross-sectional design to recruit fathers over five months period, September 2022-January 2023, across the United States. A total of 396 fathers of preterm infants who are currently in the NICU were enrolled. We used an online survey to collect both demographic and bonding data. Study findings revealed the demographics for fathers: 51.5% (25-34 years old), 72% (White), 93.7% (male), 98.2% (Married), 53.5% (bachelor’s degree), 83.1% (full-time employment), 58.6% ($35,000-$74,999 annual income), 86.1% (previously parented preterm-infant). Moreover, 43.4% (GA between 28-32 weeks), 47% (BW between 1500 and 2499 g), 62% (male), 94.9 (singleton) represent infants’ demographics. Multiple regression indicated that fathers with higher income (B=2.831, P=.009), who have not previously had preterm infants (B=5.917, P<.001), and who have singleton infant (B=5.856, P=.008) have significant higher scores of bonding. To conclude, Fathers with low annual income, previously had preterm infants, and with multiple birth preterm infants are at higher risks of delayed bonding. Thus, initial screening of bonding at NICU admission along with regular counselling for this vulnerable group of fathers is necessary.

Needs Assessment and Presentation Description: This work discusses sociodemographic predictors of bonding for fathers of preterm infants. A topic that is not sufficiently addressed in the literature. Findings inform neonatal clinical practice to better facilitate father-infant bonding relationship. Moreover, findings can be used to initiate a need for a change in current related health and paternal leave policy for fathers.