<![CDATA[Background: Parental participation is crucial for maintaining interaction between parents and infants in the neonatal care unit. This study compares mothers’ and fathers’ participation in the neonatal care unit and examines sociodemographic factors associated with participation in each parent group. Methods: We conducted an analytical comparative cross-sectional study in the neonatal care units of two regional public hospitals in Banyumas, Indonesia. Using convenience sampling, we recruited 257 parents (73 fathers and 184 mothers). Participation was measured using CO PARTNER, comprising six domains. We compared scores using the Mann–Whitney U test. We fitted separate multiple linear regression models for fathers and mothers. Result: Fathers had a lower median total participation score than mothers (9 vs. 25; p=0.001) and significantly lower scores in all six domains (all p≤0.008). The regression model for fathers was not statistically significant overall (R²=0.096; adjusted R²=0.057; F(3,69)=2.445; p=0.071).In this exploratory model, fathers aged 31–48 years had higher adjusted participation scores than those aged 18–30 years (adjusted B=3.754; 95% CI: 0.110–7.398; p=0.044). Education and number of children were not significantly associated with fathers’ participation. The model for mothers was also not significant (R²=0.026; adjusted R²=0.004; F(4,179)=1.196; p=0.314), and no predictors were significant. Contribution for Practice: This study contributes to neonatal nursing science by strengthening evidence for father-inclusive, family-centered care and supporting greater parental participation in neonatal care.]]>
