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Descriptive Results From a Pilot Study to Test the NICU Paternal Needs Inventory
Linda Merritt1, M Terese Verklan
1Author Affiliations: School of Nursing, Quinnipiac University, North Haven, Connecticut (Merritt); and School of Nursing, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (Verklan).
The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing
|May 15, 2026
Summary
Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) fathers have diverse emotional, psychological, and physical needs. Understanding these unique paternal requirements is crucial for supporting fathers during their infant
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Research
- Paternal Psychology
- Family Support Systems
Background:
- Paternal stress in the NICU context is often overlooked and differs from maternal stress.
- Existing research inadequately addresses the unique needs of fathers during infant hospitalization.
- Paternal experiences in the NICU are complex and require focused investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of fathers with infants in the NICU.
- To utilize the NICU Paternal Needs Inventory (NPNI) for assessing paternal needs.
- To identify specific areas of need for fathers in the NICU environment.
Main Methods:
- A nonexperimental descriptive study was conducted across four US NICUs.
- The NICU Paternal Needs Inventory (NPNI), a 42-item tool, was administered to 210 fathers.
- Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis.
Main Results:
- Descriptive statistics indicated that 19 needs were highly rated (60%-100%) by fathers.
- A wide range of responses was observed for the remaining needs, highlighting individual variability.
- Key needs identified were primarily emotional and psychological.
Conclusions:
- Fathers' needs in the NICU are highly individualized and influenced by personal experiences.
- A holistic nursing approach is essential for supporting fathers' adaptation to the NICU.
- Further research on the NPNI is recommended to assess paternal needs throughout NICU stays.
