Ethnic minority fathers' experiences of the Neonatal Care Unit: barriers to accessing psychological support.

BACKGROUND

The Neonatal Care Unit is a challenging environment for parents. Previous literature documents the need for increased and more specialised understanding of support for fathers. There remains a dearth of literature on the experiences of ethnic minority fathers in particular, who may be less likely to access psychological support available.

METHOD

This project aimed to understand the barriers ethnic minority fathers face when accessing psychology support at a Neonatal Care Unit in England. Seven fathers from ethnic minority backgrounds participated in semi-structured interviews after their babies were discharged.

RESULTS

Data were analysed using a Reflexive Thematic Analysis approach. Three main themes were identified: ', ', and '. These themes are discussed in reference to the extant literature, and recommendations are provided to improve access to support in this neonatal unit.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need to recognise interacting influences of gender and cultural norms in supporting these fathers, including understanding the role of psychology, consideration of stigma, and knowing families in relation to their cultural context.