The Neglected Parent: Evaluating Mental Health Needs of Fathers in the NICU, A Multicentric Comparative Study

This multicentric observational study examines and compares stress levels between mothers and fathers of neonates admitted to Level III NICUs in two Indian hospitals—Sahota and Bedi Hospitals. With a combined sample size of 368 parents (n=196 Sahota, n=172 Bedi), the study used a 20-item questionnaire rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Results show that while maternal stress is statistically higher in traditional domains (infant health, separation), paternal stress is significantly underreported but comparably high in domains of financial strain, helplessness, role disruption, and perceived emotional neglect. Findings emphasize the urgent need for NICUs to adopt gender-sensitive, family-centered care strategies that acknowledge and address fathers' mental health.