BackgroundPregnancy outcomes in the U.S. rank among the worst of countries with a developed healthcare system. While traditional prenatal health primarily focuses on women, promising findings have emerged in international research that suggest the potential of including men in prenatal health interventions in the U.S. eHealth applications present a promising avenue to reach new and expectant fathers with crucial parenting knowledge and healthy, supportive behaviors.
ObjectivesTo explore the perceived role of men in prenatal health, the potential use of e-health promotion, and participant-suggested ways of improving a prenatal health application designed for new and expectant fathers.
MethodsA nationally-representative sample of adult males (N=962) was recruited through an online panel. The sample had an average age of 30.2 (SD=6.3) and included both fathers (413/962, 42.9%) and non-fathers (549/962, 57.1%). Nearly 12% (115/962) of participants had a partner who was pregnant at the time of the survey.
ResultsDespite perceived barriers such as time constraints, financial burdens, and an unclear role, men believe it is important to be involved in pregnancy health. The majority of participants (770/944, 81.6%) found the site to contain useful and interesting information. Most substantially, results indicate that more than three quarters (738/962, 76.7%) of the sample said they would share the site with others who would benefit from the information. Participants recommended the addition of interactive modules, such as a financial planning tool and videos, to make the site stronger.
ConclusionsWe explored the use of targeted eHealth to introduce men to prenatal education. Results indicate men are favorable to this intervention. Additional refinement should include interactive tools further engage men in this important issue. Reaching men at the prenatal phase is an early 'teachable moment' -where new/expectant fathers are open to information on how to help their partners have a healthy pregnancy and promote the health of their unborn children. Findings will further inform best practices for engaging men in pregnancy, which is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes in the U.S.
KeywordsHealth communication; fathering; expectant fathers; prenatal health 1 Engaging Men in Prenatal Health via eHealth: Findings from a National Survey
IntroductionMaternal and infant mortality rates in the U.S. rank among the worst of all high-income countries. The most recent vital statistics reports estimate 6.15 infant deaths per 1,000 live births and 15.8-28.0 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births -with marked disparities in outcomes among different races/ethnicities [1,2]. It is estimated that 60,000 women each year also suffer severe pregnancy-related issues considered "near-miss" maternal mortality [2]. Improving these outcomes is a goal of the U.S. Healthy People 2020 initiative as well as a target of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Healthcare access and social support during pregnancy can reduce ...