Parenting stress and support needs of Japanese fathers of firstborn children during infancy: A comparative study of fathers of full-term and late preterm infants

This study identified differences in parenting stress characteristics among first-time fathers of full-term and late preterm infants. This cross-sectional quantitative survey utilized students’ t- tests with data from 248 first-time fathers. The Parenting Stress Index-Short Form was the dependent variable, and each attribute represented the independent variables. The sample comprised first-time fathers of full-term and late preterm infants aged 3–11 months. For full-term infant fathers, mean Parenting Stress Index-Short Form scores were 37.3 (SD ± 8.9) for the total score, 18.3 (SD ± 4.8) for the child, and 19.0 (SD ± 5.4) for the parental domain. For late preterm infant fathers, corresponding scores were 39.2 (SD ± 7.3), 18.8 (SD ± 3.6), and 20.4 (SD ± 4.6), respectively. Late preterm infants’ fathers exhibit higher stress due to child health issues and limited coping mechanisms. Targeted support, including mental health resources and parental leave guidance, is recommended.