Expectant Fathers' Social Determinants of Health in Early Pregnancy. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Neri Mini, Fernanda; Saltzman, Jaclyn A.; Simione, Meg; Luo, Man; Perkins, Meghan E.; Roche, Brianna; Blake-Lamb, Tiffany; Kotelchuck, Milton; Arauz-Boudreau, Alexy; Davison, Kirsten; Taveras, Elsie M.
• Is Part Of: Global pediatric health. Volume 7(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: social determinants of health -- fathers -- pregnancy -- health information needs -- obesity; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1177/2333794X20975628
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2333-794X

Abstract

This cross-sectional, descriptive study examined unmet social and economic needs and health information requests of low-income, expecting fathers who participated in the First 1000 Days program. The First 1000 Days is a systems-level intervention aiming to prevent obesity among low-income mothers and infants across 3 community health centers in Greater Boston, MA, USA. Fathers who attended their partner's first prenatal care visit were invited to complete a program survey during early pregnancy. Among 131 fathers surveyed, 45% were white, 21% were Hispanic/Latino, 55% were foreign-born, and 69% reported an annual income under $50 000. Fathers reported elevated levels of food insecurity (18%) and 33% were unaware of someone that could provide a $50 loan; however, over 85% of fathers knew someone that could provide non-financial social support. Fathers requested information about pregnancy, birth preparation, and fatherhood. Findings support addressing fathers' unmet needs during pregnancy and providing father-specific perinatal information.