Objective To investigate relationship between the level of support needs and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among fathers of preterm infants in neonatal intensivecare unit (NICU).

Methods A total of 209 fathers of preterm infants admitted to NICU were selected as survey subjects. The basic information questionnaire for preterm infants, the basic information questionnaire for fathers, the NICU Newborn Father Support Scale, and the civilian version of the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist were used to survey their conditions.

Results The score of support needs among fathers of preterm infants was (88.69±11.04). Gestational age, cesarean section, length of stay in the NICU, father's educational level, monthly per-capita family income, and spouse's health status were all significant influencing factors of father's support needs (P < 0.05). The score of PTSD among fathers of preterm infants was (32.27±5.96). Gestational age, birth weight, birth way, father's age, whether the father had received prenatal health education, and support needs were all influencing factors of PTSD occurrence among fathers of preterm infants (P < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between father's support needs and PTSD.

Conclusion The level of support needs among fathers of preterm infants in the NICU is negatively correlated with PTSD. Medical staff should pay attention to the level of support needs among fathers of preterm infants to reduce the occurrence of their PTSD.