The Effect of Paternal Skin-to-Skin Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials

The Effect of Paternal Skin-to-Skin Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials

Authors
Kuo, S. F. Chen, I. H. Chen, S. R. Chen, K. H. Fernandez, R. S.
Year
2021
Journal
Advances in Neonatal Care
Volume
27
Pages
27
BACKGROUND: Research about skin-to-skin care (SSC) experiences in early period after birth has focused on mothers and infants. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of paternal skin-to-skin care (P-SSC) in both fathers and infants. METHODS: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Airiti Library, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported outcomes of P-SSC in both fathers and infants. We calculated pooled mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using RevMan 5.3 for the meta-analysis [PROSPERO: CRD42018106790]. RESULTS: Seven RCTs including a total of 552 participants were eligible for inclusion. Compared to the maternal skin-to-skin care (M-SSC), fathers in the P-SSC exhibited no significant differences in salivary oxytocin levels (MD: -0.35 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.75, 0.05), salivary cortisol levels (MD: 0.25 mug/dL; 95% CI: -0.82, 1.33), or anxiety scores (MD: -0.17; 95% CI: -0.57, 0.22) during the period of SSC. Similarly, there were no significant differences in the salivary cortisol levels (MD: -0.11 mug/dL; 95% CI: -0.05, 0.28) among preterm infants between the 2 groups. However, the crying time was less among full-term infants in the P-SSC group compared with infants in the incubator care or cot care groups. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: P-SSC had similar effects as M-SSC on stress-related outcomes during and after SSC among fathers and infants in the early stages after birth. We recommend that P-SSC be implemented in the early stages after birth. Further RCTs with a longitudinal design and large samples are needed to better understand the long-term effects of P-SSC on fathers and infants.

Oversett med Google Translate
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Type of intervention

Treatment and Child Welfare Interventions

Topic

Parenting Skills

Interaction

Attachment

Parental Stress

Biological Risk Factors, Diseases and Symptoms

Preterm Birth

Age group

Infants and Toddlers (0-2 years)

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