Research Article
Father Involvement in the NICU: A Literature Review on Roles, Barriers, and Contributions to Infant Development and Attachment
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/eai.30-7-2025.2361019, author={Risna Yuningsih and Sri Mujiyanti and Alifa Salwa Chairunisa}, title={Father Involvement in the NICU: A Literature Review on Roles, Barriers, and Contributions to Infant Development and Attachment}, proceedings={Proceedings of the 2nd Faletehan International Conference, FIC 2025, 30-31 July 2025, Serang, Banten, Indonesia}, publisher={EAI}, proceedings_a={FIC}, year={2025}, month={12}, keywords={father involvement infant development nicu care}, doi={10.4108/eai.30-7-2025.2361019} }- Risna Yuningsih
Sri Mujiyanti
Alifa Salwa Chairunisa
Year: 2025
Father Involvement in the NICU: A Literature Review on Roles, Barriers, and Contributions to Infant Development and Attachment
FIC
EAI
DOI: 10.4108/eai.30-7-2025.2361019
Abstract
Over 15 million infants each year arrive preterm and typically necessitate prolonged NICU care. While maternal involvement is well-established, father involvement remains underexplored. The aims of this study was to map and synthesize existing evidence on how fathers' involvement in NICU care affects infant developmental outcomes. A literature review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Literature was systematically gathered from five electronic databases using a structured PICO framework. From 625 initial records, 12 studies met the eligibility criteria and were thematically analyzed. Father involvement influenced by prematurity, length of infant hospitalization, clinical status, and healthcare support through practices such as skin-to-skin care, feeding, hygiene, and verbal interaction contributes to improved physiological outcomes in infants, strengthened emotional bonds, and increased father confidence. Fathers' active participation in NICU care contributes positively to both infant development and bonding. NICUs should implement structured policies and programs that actively encourage father involvement.
