Abstract
Introduction
Despite the growing recognition of father’s importance for early family health and well-being, there has been very limited attention to men’s own experiences and developmental needs antenatally, and specifically during their partner’s prenatal care (PNC) visits. This study explores the feasibility of capturing men’s own voices; documents their antenatal experiences and needs; assesses their treatment by Obstetric staff; and enquires about additional paternal information and skills desired and how best to provide them.
Methods
All fathers accompanying their partners to PNC services during two weeks at Massachusetts General Hospital were invited to fill out an anonymous, 15-min, two-part, iPad survey.
Results
430 fathers participated (85% of men approached). Fathers expressed high levels of joy and involvement with approaching fatherhood; but 55% also expressed substantial levels of stress, 26% acknowledged depressive symptoms, and 42% reported limited social support for becoming fathers. Substantial men’s health needs were noted: 75% were overweight (including 24% obese); 36% lacked an annual physical; and 22% had unplanned pregnancies. Most men (85%) desired additional fathering skills. Fathers perceived being very positively treated by the Obstetric staff, though 33% were never asked any direct questions. Most fathers (68%) expressed a desire or openness for additional parenting information, across a wide range of reproductive health topics, and were very enthusiastic about antenatal fatherhood initiatives.
Conclusion
PNC sites provide a valuable locus for ascertaining men’s/fathers’ voices and could be enhanced to address their extensive antenatal needs and foster earlier paternal involvement to improve infant, family, and men’s own health.
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Data Availability
Not applicable, data/materials not available on a public database.
Code Availability
Not applicable, code not available.
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Acknowledgements
This study could not have been completed without the ongoing contributions of the members of the larger research and nursing practice teams: John Badalament, Erika Cheng, Jennifer Doherty, Michelle Lee, Susan Gamble, Janika Gates, Chandra Khalifian, Anne Maguire, Lisa Masciulli, Karen Paul, and Alison Rosen.
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No external funding support (Fatherhood Project funds only).
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Each of the three authors [MK, RAL, HMN] participated in the conception of the study, in the oversite and facilitation of the data collection, in the analysis and interpretation of data, and in the writing of this manuscript; MK led the manuscript writing and supervised the data analysis, and RAL and MK (along with the Research Assistants) enrolled fathers in the study.
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The MGH IRB reviewed this research project; and it was determined to be exempt.
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No formal written consent required; the RAs explained the study details (including its voluntary, anonymous participation and its study themes); participation on the fatherhood iPAD survey indicated their consent.
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Kotelchuck, M., Levy, R.A. & Nadel, H.M. Voices of Fathers During Pregnancy: The MGH Prenatal Care Obstetrics Fatherhood Study Methods and Results. Matern Child Health J 26, 1603–1612 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-022-03453-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-022-03453-y