The effect of paternal cues in prenatal care settings on men’s involvement intentions

Abstract

A father’s involvement in prenatal care engenders health benefits for both mothers and children. While this information can help practitioners improve family health, low paternal involvement in prenatal care remains a challenge. The present study tested a simple, easily scalable intervention to promote father involvement by increasing men’s feelings of comfort and expectations of involvement in prenatal settings through three randomized control trials. Borrowing from social psychological theory on identity safety, the three studies tested whether the inclusion of environmental cues that represent men and fatherhood in prenatal care offices influenced men’s beliefs and behavioral intentions during the perinatal period. Men in studies 1 and 3 viewed online videos of purported prenatal care offices, while men in study 2 visited the office in person. Those who viewed or were immersed in a father-friendly prenatal care office believed that doctors had higher expectations of father involvement compared to treatment-as-usual. This perception predicted greater parenting confidence, comfort, and behavioral intentions to learn about the pregnancy and engage in healthy habits, such as avoiding smoking and alcohol during their partner’s pregnancy. Study 3 replicated these studies with an online sample of expectant fathers. The results suggest that shifting environment office cues can signal fathering norms to men in prenatal settings, with healthier downstream behavior intentions.

Fatherhood and Reproductive Health in the Antenatal Period: From Men’s Voices to Clinical Practice

“…There is very limited educational material directed at fathers, in the obstetric office and online (Albuja et al 2019).…”

Present as a partner and a parent: Mothers’ and fathers’ perspectives on father participation in prenatal care

“…Prenatal care is a vital setting for promoting positive pregnancy outcomes, and increased participation of fathers in prenatal care affords an opportunity to engage men in promoting maternal and child health. Despite increasing participation of fathers in prenatal care and emerging efforts to promote “father‐friendly” prenatal care settings (Albuja et al., 2019), little research has focused specifically on father engagement in prenatal care or explored the perspectives of both mothers and fathers on father participation. This study generated an in‐depth understanding of mothers’ and fathers’ experiences of father participation in prenatal care and insight into ways of supporting father engagement in prenatal care that promote positive experiences of care for women.…”

“…Nationally and globally, researchers and clinicians have begun to consider the role of fathers in promoting maternal and child health, and father participation in prenatal healthcare is increasingly encouraged (Albuja et al., 2019; Firouzan et al., 2018; Lewis et al., 2015; Singh et al., 2014; WHO, 2007). In this context, it is critical to develop a clear understanding of the impact of father participation on women's prenatal care experiences, how mothers and fathers define their needs and expectations with regard to prenatal care and father participation, and how prenatal care is meeting their needs or could be improved to better meet their needs.…”

Benefí­cios para a gestante com a participação paterna no pré-natal: uma revisão integrativa

“…22 O envolvimento paterno proporciona maior segurança em seu potencial de ser um bom pai e maiores intenções relatadas de aprender sobre a gravidez e se envolver em uma conduta positiva junto com sua parceira. [23][24] Assim, no decorrer das consultas do pré-natal, manter o diálogo com o homem e a mulher são fundamentais para evitar possíveis estressores relacionados à gravidez. 25 O acompanhamento paterno no decorrer do pré-natal apresenta melhoria no vínculo familiar, pois acaba propiciando uma maior aproximação entre o casal com demonstrações de afeto, aconchego e cumplicidade, diminuindo as divergências entre o casal.…”