Forgotten fathers in child healthcare

Abstract

Aim: Father involvement is a largely unexplored area in health literature. The purpose of this research was to investigate how pediatric residents and mothers perceive fathers' participation in health monitoring, fathers' self-assessment of their participation in their child’s health monitoring, and to examine mothers and fathers' views on "fatherhood roles."

Materials and Methods: Between March and May 2019, a total of 155 individuals, including pediatrics residents (n=45), mothers (n=55) and fathers (n=55) of children admitted to the outpatient clinic of pediatrics participated survey, in Inonu University, Turkey.

Results: It was found that 44% of the children had attended with their parents (40% only with their mother, and 16% only with their father), but the perceptions of the residents were not in this direction and residents did not care for the fathers and assigned them to a second role. The questions were asked to mothers and fathers about the role of fathers, adapted using the Role of the Father and it was concluded that giving moral and ethical guidance, showing love and affection, and providing financial care to children were more important for fathers, respectively.

Conclusion: As suggested by American Academy of Pediatrics, residents should be aware of the importance of the fathers' participation and include them.