Parenting self-efficacy in fathers of medically complex infants: A longitudinal study

Abstract Introduction Infants with medical complexity have multiple complex chronic conditions and require specialized intensive care. One important factor in optimizing infant health and development is parenting self-efficacy (PSE). The purpose of this study was to examine parental self-efficacy in fathers over time. Methods A longitudinal survey study was conducted with fathers of medically complex infants. We used the validated Karitane Parent Confidence Scale to assess PSE and multivariable linear regression examined the associations between father and infant characteristics on PSE. Results Fathers (n = 27) were white (74%), married (85%), high school educated (37%), with incomes ≥ $US50,000 (66%). Father's mean PSE score was 39.28 (±3.9). Hispanic ethnicity and total number of chronic conditions were significant predictors of lower PSE in fathers. Conclusions Fathers of medically complex infants reported low PSE. More strategic interventions need to focus on self-efficacy and creating opportunities for connection between fathers and infants.