Effect of kangaroo father care during transport on physiological parameters, anxiety, and paternal bonding in preterm infants: Randomized controlled trial

Aim This study aims to determine the effects of kangaroo father care during transport on physiological parameters, anxiety, and paternal bonding in preterm infants. Method A parallel-group, randomized controlled study was carried out at a university hospital in Türkiye between December 2023 and December 2024. The study included 40 preterm infants and their fathers, randomly assigned to intervention ( n = 20) or control (n = 20) groups. Infants in intervention group were transported to the NICU while receiving early kangaroo father care, whereas those in control group were transported using standard practice. Data collection was conducted using a father-infant information form, a physiological parameter monitoring form, the state anxiety inventory, and the father-infant bonding scale. Fathers and infants were monitored from initiation of kangaroo care until completion of transport. Results There was no significant difference in body temperature between the groups ( p > 0.05). However, there were significant differences in heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation between the groups ( p < 0.05). Fathers in intervention group had significantly lower state anxiety than those in control group ( p < 0.001, η2 = 0.161). However, no significant difference was found in father-infant bonding scores over time between the groups ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Kangaroo father care during transport positively affected heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation in infants and reduced fathers' state anxiety. However, no difference was found between the groups in body temperature or father-infant bonding. Practice implications Kangaroo father care is a safe, low-cost, and non-invasive approach that can improve physiological stability in preterm infants and reduce anxiety in fathers during transport.