Parenting involvement of Thai expectant fathers during the last trimester pregnancy of their spouses exhibiting depressive symptoms: a qualitative study.

Abstract

Background: Becoming a father is a challenging process that starts during pregnancy. During the late pregnancy period, depressive symptoms are the most common mental disorders among women. Engaged fatherhood is a strategy for gender equality that is good for the health outcomes of men, their spouses and their children. This study aims to explore the involvement of Thai expectant fathers during the last trimester of their partners' pregnancy when the mothers exhibit depressive symptoms.

Methods: A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted by use of an interview guide. All data were transcribed and subjected to content analysis.

Results: Twenty-seven expectant fathers at seven antenatal care clinics of public hospitals in a province of north-eastern Thailand participated. Six categories emerged: Having mixed emotional feelings, Adapting to spouse's emotional mood swings, Getting into challenges of fatherhood, Taking increased responsibility in the role of father, Receiving social support, and Wishing improvement of maternity care service. The expectant fathers experienced different psychological and physical situations and received support from family members and social networks, but they had not been encouraged to engage in parental education. Some were satisfied with healthcare service and some would like to be more involved.

Conclusions: On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that an intervention program should be developed that aims to engage expectant fathers in maternity health services. This could be done most effectively by starting with men who wish themselves to be involved in the healthcare of their spouses and continuing with men who do not have such wish. Professional support for nurses/midwives should be not only informative but also emotional and practical when needed.