Paternal Health and Health Behaviors During the Perinatal Period: Results from a Representative Survey of Fathers in Georgia, 2018-2019

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the associations between paternal sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare utilization and self-reported health status among a state-representative sample of fathers.

Methods: The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for Dads pilot study sampled 857 fathers in Georgia from October 2018-July 2019. It surveyed fathers 2-6 months after their infants' birth to assess paternal experiences and behaviors during the perinatal period. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between paternal characteristics and three outcomes: having a primary care physician (PCP), having any personal healthcare visit, and self-reported health status.

Results: Among 266 respondents, 53.9% reported having a PCP, 46.2% reported any healthcare visit, and 65.2% reported very good or excellent health. Insured fathers were more likely to have a PCP (65.6% vs. 26.6%; adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR] = 2.47, 95% CI 1.41-4.33) and a healthcare visit (59.9% vs. 21.5%; aPR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.30-5.22) than fathers who were uninsured. Fathers with a college degree or higher were more likely to have a healthcare visit (59.4% vs. % 39.3%; aPR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.13-2.49), and to report very good or excellent health (79.1% vs. % 52.2%; aPR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.16-1.98) than fathers with a high school diploma/GED or less. Fathers reporting very good or excellent health were more likely to have a PCP (59.9% vs. 42.1%); aPR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.02-1.99) than fathers reporting fair or good health.

Conclusions: Fathers' participation in healthcare was suboptimal. Identifying barriers impacting men's interactions with the healthcare system is essential to develop strategies to improve the overall health of fathers and families.

Keywords: Family health; Fathers; Healthcare utilization; Paternal health; Public health.