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ObjectivesFatherhood has evolved in recent decades from ‘a moral teacher’ to ‘an involved father’. However, fatherhood experiences have not been examined in detail. This meta-synthesis aimed to examine fathers’ experiences, needs, and perceptions of their involvement with their infants during the first 12 months of birth.MethodSix electronic databases were systematically searched: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, ProQuest (grey literature). The search resulted in 13 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist. All 13 studies met the appraisal criteria and were included in the meta-synthesis. The findings of the 13 studies were synthesized using the steps of Sandelowski and Barroso in conducting meta-synthesis.ResultsThe 13 included studies comprised studies conducted in the West, Africa, and Asia. Fatherhood experiences differed according to different sociocultural contexts. Three themes were identified: (1) trajectory of the father-infant relationship, (2) reinforcements and hindrances to involvement, and (3) change from self-oriented to family-oriented behavior. Changes in a father’s relationship with his infant were influenced by relationships with his spouse and family members after the birth of the infant. Reinforcements, hindrances, and needs to fathers’ involvement were identified. Fathering responsibility and parenting satisfaction that developed overtime influenced a father’s behavior, changing from self-oriented to family-oriented.SignificanceThis is the first meta-synthesis that examined fathers’ experiences, needs, and perceptions of their involvement with their infants during the first 12 months of birth. Multiple factors were found to influence the socially-defined fathering ideology. Cultural practices of fatherhood and fathers’ own perceptions shaped their actual fathering behaviors. The findings of this study may guide healthcare professionals as frontline personnel to understand fathers’ needs and experiences in order to promote fathers’ involvement in the early days after their infants’ birth.

Aims To evaluate the efficacy of exercise‐based interventions and mind–body therapies on quality of life, menopausal symptoms, and depression among Asian perimenopausal women. Design A systematic review, meta‐analysis, and synthesis without meta‐analysis (SWiM). Data sources Six electronic databases were systematically searched: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, and ProQuest. Review methods The point of inception of each database to 15 November 2018 were systematically searched. A meta‐analysis and SWiM were used to present the results. Review Manager 5.3 and The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool were used for meta‐analyses and assessing of risk of bias, respectively. Results In all, 23 studies were reviewed. Significant effects in exercise‐based interventions and mind–body therapies were found for quality of life, menopausal symptoms, and depression but not for hot flashes. Limitations of this review include insufficient blinding of participants and/or researchers found in most of the included studies and high levels of heterogeneity in the meta‐analyses. Evidence found in this review is to be interpreted with caution. Conclusion Healthcare professionals can consider exercise‐based interventions or mind–body therapies to manage menopausal symptoms. Future trials of good quality can examine the cost‐effectiveness and optimal intervention duration. Intervention effects on specific menopausal symptoms such as sleeplessness in Asia can be examined in future. Impact Exercise‐based interventions and mind–body therapies suggest effectiveness on quality of life, menopausal symptoms, and depression among Asian perimenopausal women. Exercise‐based interventions and mind–body therapies improve quality of life, menopausal symptoms, and depression but not hot flashes. Long‐term exercise‐based interventions is effective in managing depression. Due to varied limitations in the review and included studies, firm conclusions cannot be reached. Healthcare professionals in Asia can consider implementing exercise‐based interventions and mind–body therapies for symptomatic perimenopausal Asian women.

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