Health Behaviour of Fathers of Young Families Expecting their First Baby

Abstract

Health behaviour in fathers of young families expecting their first baby was studied using randomized cluster sampling and confidential questionnaires given to 1414 fathers, of whom 1,279 responded to the questionnaire. The drop-out rate was 9.5%. Participants and drop-outs had matching occupations. Basic educational level, age, occupation and location of home were used as background variables. Health behaviour was studied by means of many questions on habits associated with health, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, physical exercise, dietary habits, and social relations and use of cultural services connected with health. The results showed that the health behaviour of the fathers was related to their childhood family background, level of education and occupation. Health education literature and counselling best reached fathers with a high level of education and those with professional occupations. The most negative health behaviour patterns were seen in fathers working in manufacturing industry or primary production and in the youngest fathers. Maternity health care clinics and Well-baby clinics establish a longstanding relation with young families, and health care staffs have a good opportunity to support the future fathers' health behaviour in a positive direction.

Alcohol consumption among partners of pregnant women in Sweden: a cross sectional study

“…Research focusing on the partner’s alcohol use before and during pregnancy is scarce in comparison with studies about pregnant women [ 9 – 13 ]. Some studies have shown that younger expecting fathers reduce their alcohol consumption more than older fathers [ 14 , 15 ]. More recent research has shown that first-time fathers reduced their alcohol consumption more than fathers who already had children [ 16 ].…”

The Finnish Family Competence Study: The Transition to Fatherhood

“…Almost all expectant fathers believe that parents should jointly make decisions about their child's upbringing and health education (Hyssala, Rautava, & Sillanpaa, 1992). Nevertheless, reality is different in families with children: Mothers are mainly responsible for the upbringing and care of the children (McHale & Huston, 1984).…”

“…More often than other groups, they have a close friend with whom they have shared their experiences and have tried to solve their problems. (Bobb, Bobb, & Lane, 1984;Hyssala, Rautava, & Sillanpaa, 1992;Kortteinen, 1982). In the face of adversity, young people and industrial workers rely on their relatives and friends, as well as on the safety nets of their subculture.…”

“…The traditional role of the patriarch is still strong among rural and industrial workers. Professional people and those with a high level of basic education have adopted the "novel" role of the participating father (Hyssala, Rautava, & Sillanpaa, 1992).…”

Dialogue between Midwives and Parents-to-Be about Alcohol, from a Life Cycle Perspective—An Intervention Study

“…The environment in which the child grows up is an important determinant of the child's future health. Motherhood as well as fatherhood can be a reason for changing alcohol consumption (Boyce, Condon, Barton, & Corkindale, 2007;Genesoni & Tallandini, 2009;Hyssälä, 1992). If there is a genetic disposition for Alcohol Disorder in the family, there is >40% risk of developing an Alcohol Disorder during lifetime (Sullivan, Daly, & O'Donovan, 2012).…”