Maternal perceptions of father involvement among refugee and disadvantaged families in Beirut, Lebanon

Abstract

The role of fathers in (co-)parenting their children among refugee and disadvantaged families in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains poorly understood. This study sought to examine the associations among mothers' perceptions of their husband's involvement (hereafter referred to as paternal involvement), and her perceptions of her own wellbeing and a number of other variables, as well as observed mother-child interactions in families living in refugee and disadvantaged communities in Beirut, Lebanon. We analyzed baseline data from 104 mother-child dyads (mean age of children = 4.34 years; range = 2.05 to 7.93 years of age) who participated in a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the impact of the Mother-Child Education Program in Beirut. In addition to the mother's perception of paternal involvement and the videotaped mother-child interactions, data were collected concerning the mother's well-being and her level of social support, as well as her level of stress as a parent and the way her children were disciplined in the family. Motherchild pairs were videotaped while completing a puzzle together and dyadic interactions were coded. Path analysis showed that paternal involvement was significantly associated with a higher level of maternal well-being and lower distress levels. In addition, higher levels of maternal distress were associated with higher levels of harsh discipline and parenting stress. Correlation analysis showed that higher perceptions of paternal involvement were associated with more positive affect displayed by the child, more positive regard for the child, and better mother-child synchrony during the dyadic interactions. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and the modest sample size, which hinder causal inferences and generalizability of the findings. These preliminary findings suggest that higher levels of paternal involvement may have an impact on markers of maternal mental health and positive mother-child interactions in families living in disadvantaged communities or

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“…This was while the mothers in the control group did not change their stress level and still reported high levels of stress. Therefore, parental intervention and the use of video calls seem to be effective in improving family-centered care and reducing maternal stress ( 18 , 19 ). This reduction of stress in the mothers of the intervention group and the lack of stress reduction in the mothers of the control group can be examined from different perspectives.…”

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“…They also mobilize trainers, recruit participating families, and raise funds to implement MOCEP in close consultation with AÇEV. Indeed, after MOCEP was adapted and piloted in Lebanon, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have been or are currently being conducted (Ponguta et al, 2020;Ponguta et al, 2019a). assessors, who were blind to whether or not the mother had participated in MOCEP, determined that the mothers in the intervention group showed both a significant reduction in harsh parenting behaviors and in their level of perceived stress in their role as a parent (Ponguta et al, 2020;Ponguta et al, 2019a).…”

“…Indeed, after MOCEP was adapted and piloted in Lebanon, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have been or are currently being conducted (Ponguta et al, 2020;Ponguta et al, 2019a). assessors, who were blind to whether or not the mother had participated in MOCEP, determined that the mothers in the intervention group showed both a significant reduction in harsh parenting behaviors and in their level of perceived stress in their role as a parent (Ponguta et al, 2020;Ponguta et al, 2019a). However, the immediate impact on the children was limited, most likely because a majority of the children already had access to early childhood development and education programs at their local community service centers.…”

“…Youth Leaders for Early Childhood Assuring Children are Prepared for School -Pakistan (authored by L.A. Ponguta). In Pakistan, LEAPS has utilized a cross-generational strategy to support learning and the development of young children (3.5 to 6.5 years of age) and female youth (18 to 24 years of age) (Ponguta et al, 2020;Ponguta et al, 2018b). Preschools run by the Community Youth Leaders (CYLs) implement LEAPS in two groups per day.…”

“…Qualitative data concerning the impact of MOCEP were also obtained from both mothers and fathers in focus group discussions (FGDs) and one-on-one interviews before and after the RCT (Hein et al, 2020; Ponguta et al, 2019a). Prior to the program being implemented, some mothers initially showed a degree of resistance based in part on the perception that parenting knowledge is innate.…”