Primary caregivers perceptions  of the role of fathers in the provision of nutritional care in a resource constrained environment in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

Background : The role of fathers has traditionally been defined as a breadwinner or provider, with men generally having lower levels of engagement in childcare tasks, especially with young children. The involvement of fathers has important consequences for child well-being, especially with regards to issues of diet/nutrition, exercise, play, and parenting behaviours. This paper seeks to explore the perceptions and limitations that primary caregivers have on fathers’ provision of care in a resource constrained community in South Africa. Methods : Data was collected through in-depth face to face interviews, with a sample of 10 primary caregivers in a resource constrained community in Cape Town, South Africa. Results : The findings reveal that there is a lack of involvement from fathers in the provision of nutritional care and that this affects mothers and grandmothers who then need to provide both the physical and emotional care to their children. These findings are based on the perspective of mothers and grandmothers and their perceived roles in the family. Conclusion : The level of lack of financial involvement from fathers has dramatically affected the participating family’s food security due to only one member in the household earning below minimum wage. This has therefore meant that the dietary needs of the family are not being met with nutritional foods, but instead by high fat and high sugar content foods. The findings also highlighted that primary caregivers want to be taught about health and nutritional food choices for a limited budget.

The Current Understanding of Fathers Influence on Cardiometabolic Risk Factor Development in Adolescence: A Brief Review

“…Other studies display how the quality, not necessarily the quantity, of interactions with a nonresident father is more important to a child's overall health when compared to children growing up with resident fathers 26 . In Cape Town, South Africa, an interview study was performed that showed a cascading effect of poverty influenced by inconsistent parenting that may lead to undernourishment and poor emotional consideration, especially from the father 27 . Brown et al found a lack of financial stability from the nonresident father, due to his irregular presence, was associated with dietary needs of the family not being met and being replaced with high fat and high sugar foods.…”