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Parker JJF, Garfield CF, Simon CD, Colangelo LA, Bancks MP, Allen NB. Fatherhood and Cardiovascular Health, Disease, and Mortality: Associations From the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. AJPM FOCUS 2024; 3:100231. [PMID: 38881565 PMCID: PMC11179579 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2024.100231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Emerging literature links fatherhood to men's health but lacks comprehensive assessment of health outcomes, especially among multiethnic populations. This study's objective was to evaluate the associations of fatherhood (age at onset and status) with cardiovascular health scores, incident cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular disease death, and all-cause mortality, examining differences by race/ethnicity. Methods The study sample included men from Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, prospective cohort study that enrolled adults aged 45-84 years without known cardiovascular disease at baseline. Cardiovascular health was defined using the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 scores (0-100), excluding sleep (cardiovascular health score). Results In this sample of 2,814 men, mean age at cardiovascular health assessment was 62.2 years, 82% were fathers, 24% self-identified as Black, 13% self-identified Chinese, 22% self-identified Hispanic, and 41% self-identified White. Fathers who were aged <20 years and 20-24 years at their oldest child's birth had worse overall cardiovascular health than fathers who were aged >35 years (adjusted mean score of 61.1 vs 64.7 [p=0.01] and 61.0 vs 64.7 [p<0.001], respectively). Fathers had worse overall cardiovascular health (adjusted mean score of 63.2 vs 64.7, p=0.03) and more nicotine exposure (63.1 vs 66.6, p=0.04) than nonfathers. In age-adjusted models, fathers overall (hazard ratio=0.82; 95% CI=0.69, 0.98) and Black fathers (hazard ratio=0.73; 95% CI=0.53, 0.999) had a lower rate of all-cause mortality rate than nonfathers, but these associations were no longer significant in fully adjusted models. Conclusions Fatherhood is a social determinant of health, and understanding its influence may provide opportunities to improve men's health, particularly among men of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- John James F Parker
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Family and Child Health Innovations Program, Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research and Evaluation Center, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Craig F Garfield
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Family and Child Health Innovations Program, Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research and Evaluation Center, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Clarissa D Simon
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Family and Child Health Innovations Program, Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research and Evaluation Center, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Laura A Colangelo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Michael P Bancks
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Norrina B Allen
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
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Meier K, Apon LC, Van Hoeken D, Van Eeden AE, Hoek HW, Oldehinkel AJ. Impact of parenthood on eating pathology in young adults. Int J Eat Disord 2024. [PMID: 38801161 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Few studies investigated parenthood as a predictor of eating pathology in young adulthood. We studied the association between parenthood, in the first year after becoming a parent and beyond, and eating pathology. Furthermore, we examined whether moving in together with a partner affected this association. METHOD This study used data of four measurement waves from TRAILS (Tracking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey), a Dutch community cohort study (N = 2229) from preadolescence into young adulthood. The Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS), a measure to assess eating pathology, was assessed at ages 22, 26, and 29. Risk for eating disorder was assessed at age 19. Pregnant participants were excluded. RESULTS Parenthood was not associated with an increase of eating pathology in the first year after becoming a parent and beyond. Instead, parents were more likely to report being free from eating pathology symptoms compared to childless individuals (OR 2.07, 95% CI: 1.11-3.84). Among those who reported experiencing at least one eating problem, parenthood was not associated with the number of eating problems. Moving in together with a partner did not alter the association between parenthood and eating problems and neither did this association differ between males and females. DISCUSSION Parenthood in young adulthood was associated with a decreased risk of having eating pathology. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In this longitudinal study among young adults, parenthood was not associated with the development of eating pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Meier
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - L C Apon
- Dutch Healthcare Authority, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - D Van Hoeken
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - A E Van Eeden
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - H W Hoek
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, New York, New York, USA
| | - A J Oldehinkel
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Baxter SLK, Hopper LN, Spinner C. Correlates of Sexual Behavior Across Fatherhood Status: Finding From the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), 2016-2018. Am J Mens Health 2024; 18:15579883241239770. [PMID: 38545885 PMCID: PMC10981246 DOI: 10.1177/15579883241239770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Amid national trends in postponed parenthood and more diverse family structures, the fatherhood identity may be important to men's sexual behaviors. This study examined factors associated with reports of consistent contraceptive use and multiple sexual partners across fatherhood status. Using public data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), Wave V (2016-2018), two sexual behaviors were examined among 1,163 men aged 32 to 42 years. Outcomes were two binary indicators: consistent contraceptive use with partner and having multiple (≥2) sexual partners in the past year. Fatherhood status was categorized as nonfather, resident father, and nonresident father. Demographic (e.g., race/ethnicity, education, income, and relationship type) and health-related (e.g., drinking, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and insurance status) factors were considered. Logistic regression analysis produced odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals and were stratified by fatherhood categories. In the sample, 72% of men were resident fathers, 10% were nonresident fathers, and 18% were nonfathers; 28% reported consistent contraceptive use and 16% reported multiple sexual partners. For nonfathers, relationship type and race were associated with reporting multiple sexual partners. For resident fathers, relationship type was the crucial factor associated with consistent contraceptive use and reporting multiple sexual partners. In nonresident fathers, relationship type, education, and income were important factors to consistent contraceptive use and reporting multiple sexual partners. Key findings suggest that relationship type, income, and education are crucial factors to men's sexual behavior. Heterogeneous effects were observed across fatherhood status. This study adds to limited research on fatherhood and sexual behavior among men transitioning from young adulthood to middle age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel L. K. Baxter
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lorenzo N. Hopper
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Chelse Spinner
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
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McKenzie BL, Pinho-Gomes AC, Woodward M. Addressing the global obesity burden: a gender-responsive approach to changing food environments is needed. Proc Nutr Soc 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38351635 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665124000120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Obesity is a leading cause of death and disability globally. There is a higher proportion of women living with obesity than men, with differences in prevalence rates between women and men particularly staggering in low- and middle-income countries. The food environments that most people live in have been defined as 'obesogenic', characterised by easy access to energy dense, highly palatable foods with poor nutritional value. There is an established need to intervene to change food environments to prevent obesity. However, minimal successes are evident with no country set to meet the WHO goal of reducing obesity prevalence to 2010 numbers by 2025. In this review, we provide a narrative around the sex (biological)- and gender (sociocultural)-related considerations for the relationship between nutrition, interactions with the food environment and obesity risk. We provide an argument that there are gendered responses to food environments that place women at a higher risk of obesity particularly in relation to food industry influences, due to gendered roles and responsibilities in relation to paid and unpaid labour, and due to specific food security threats. This review concludes with hypotheses for addressing the obesity burden in a gender-responsive manner, with a call for gender equity to be a key component of the development, implementation and monitoring of obesity prevention focused policies going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briar L McKenzie
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Level 18, International Towers 3, 300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo, NSW2000, Australia
| | - Ana-Catarina Pinho-Gomes
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark Woodward
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Level 18, International Towers 3, 300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo, NSW2000, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Whooten RC, Kotelchuck M, Gonzalez AVC, Johnson N, Kwete G, Luo M, Muir HF, Barth EA, Smith N, Taveras EM. Expectant fathers' health behaviors, infant care intentions, and social-emotional wellbeing in the perinatal period: A latent class analysis and comparison to mothers. Prev Med Rep 2023; 36:102375. [PMID: 37719794 PMCID: PMC10500477 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
While parental behaviors during the 'first thousand days' are critical for child health, little is known about fathers during this time. We examined prenatal patterns of health behaviors, social-emotional wellbeing, and infant care intentions among expectant fathers, both overall and compared to expectant mothers. Among 227 mother-father dyads enrolling in a randomized controlled trial of a perinatal obesity prevention program in Boston, Massachusetts (July 2020-July 2022), participants independently completed baseline surveys addressing (1) health behaviors, (2) social emotional wellbeing, and (3) infant care intentions. We compared paternal and maternal responses to survey items within each of these domains. Further, we conducted a latent class analysis of paternal responses and examined their associations with sociodemographic characteristics. Compared to expectant mothers, fathers were more likely to report increased body mass index, less fruit intake, decreased sleep, increased physical activity, and no recent primary care visit. Latent class analysis revealed four distinct groups of paternal health behaviors and infant care intentions: (1) more health behaviors with less infant care; (2) less health behaviors with less infant care; (3) less health behaviors with more infant care; and (4) more health behaviors with more infant care. Fathers with increased health behaviors were more likely to have higher education and income. Fathers with decreased health behaviors were more likely to endorse food insecurity, housing insecurity, and social isolation. Our findings identify potential areas for targeting expectant fathers in health promotion initiatives and suggest that social needs may impact the capacity to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C. Whooten
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Milton Kotelchuck
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ariadne V. Caballero Gonzalez
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nafissa Johnson
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gracia Kwete
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Man Luo
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Haley Farrar Muir
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Barth
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nicole Smith
- Department of Obstetrics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elsie M. Taveras
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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Vogel L, Färber T, Hölzl I, Deliens T, Henning C, Liel C, Löchner J, Lux U, Opitz A, Seiferth C, Versele V, Wolstein J, van Poppel MNM. I-PREGNO - prevention of unhealthy weight gain and psychosocial stress in families during pregnancy and postpartum using an mHealth enhanced intervention: a study protocol of two cluster randomized controlled trials. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:418. [PMID: 37280529 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05735-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transition to parenthood represents a critical life period with psychosocial, and behavioral changes and challenges for parents. This often increases stress and leads to unhealthy weight gain in families, especially in psychosocially burdened families. Although universal and selective prevention programs are offered to families, specific support often fails to reach psychosocially burdened families. Digital technologies are a chance to overcome this problem by enabling a low-threshold access for parents in need. However, there is currently a lack of smartphone-based interventions that are tailored to the needs of psychosocially burdened families. AIMS The research project I-PREGNO aims to develop and evaluate a self-guided, smartphone-based intervention in combination with face-to-face counseling delivered by healthcare professionals for the prevention of unhealthy weight gain and psychosocial problems. The intervention is specifically tailored to the needs of psychosocially burdened families during the pregnancy and postpartum period. METHODS In two cluster randomized controlled trials in Germany and Austria (N = 400) psychosocially burdened families will be recruited and randomized to i) treatment as usual (TAU), or ii) I-PREGNO intervention (self-guided I-PREGNO app with counseling sessions) and TAU. We expect higher acceptance and better outcomes on parental weight gain and psychosocial stress in the intervention group. DISCUSSION The intervention offers a low cost and low-threshold intervention and considers the life situation of psychosocially burdened families who are a neglected group in traditional prevention programs. After positive evaluation, the intervention may easily be implemented in existing perinatal care structures in European countries such as Germany and Austria. TRIAL REGISTRATION Both trials were registered prospectively at the German Clinical Trials Register (Germany: DRKS00029673; Austria: DRKS00029934) in July and August 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Vogel
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- National Center for Early Prevention, German Youth Institute, Department of Families and Family Policies, Munich, Germany.
| | - Tanja Färber
- Department of Pathopsychology, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Ingrid Hölzl
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tom Deliens
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carmen Henning
- Department of Pathopsychology, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Liel
- National Center for Early Prevention, German Youth Institute, Department of Families and Family Policies, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Löchner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Lux
- National Center for Early Prevention, German Youth Institute, Department of Families and Family Policies, Munich, Germany
| | - Ansgar Opitz
- National Center for Early Prevention, German Youth Institute, Department of Families and Family Policies, Munich, Germany
| | - Caroline Seiferth
- Department of Pathopsychology, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Vicka Versele
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jörg Wolstein
- Department of Pathopsychology, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
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Versele V, Stas L, Aerenhouts D, Deliens T, Clarys P, Gucciardo L, Bogaerts A, Devlieger R. Changes in maternal and paternal body composition during the transition to parenthood (TRANSPARENTS). Obesity (Silver Spring) 2023; 31:225-233. [PMID: 36471905 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The transition to parenthood might negatively influence health-related behavior and can result in increased adiposity. The aim of this study was to investigate how body composition in mother-father dyads changes from pregnancy up to 6 months post partum. METHODS Anthropometrics were collected from 144 nulliparous couples at 12 weeks of gestation (PG12) and 6 weeks (PP6WK) and 6 months (PP6M) post partum. A longitudinal dyadic confirmatory factor analysis model was used to analyze changes in body composition. Body composition was treated as a latent variable using BMI, body fat percentage, and waist circumference as indicators. RESULTS For women, latent means increased at 6 weeks post partum (PP6WK - PG12: +1.115, SE: 0.117, p < 0.001), decreased again at 6 months post partum (PP6M - PP6WK: -0.368, SE: 0.107, p < 0.001), but remained above baseline levels (PP6M - PG12: +0.747; SE: 0.115, p < 0.001). For men, the latent means at follow-up were higher than at baseline (PP6WK-PG12: +0.370, SE: 0.075; PP6M-PG12: +0.366, SE: 0.084, both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Increases in latent means correspond to unfavorable changes in BMI, body fat percentage, and waist circumference. These changes were observed from the beginning of pregnancy up to 6 months post partum. Weight management for both women and men during pregnancy and the early postpartum period is recommended and fathers should be included in pre- and postnatal standard care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vickà Versele
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lara Stas
- Support for Quantitative and Qualitative Research (SQUARE), Core Facility, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dirk Aerenhouts
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tom Deliens
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Clarys
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leonardo Gucciardo
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annick Bogaerts
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Research and Innovation in Care (CRIC), University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Roland Devlieger
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Fertility, GZA Campus Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
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Versele V, Bogaerts A, Devlieger R, Matthys C, Gucciardo L, Deliens T, Clarys P, Aerenhouts D. Association between perceived partner support and lifestyle in mother-father dyads expecting a first child. Front Public Health 2022; 10:912768. [PMID: 36148362 PMCID: PMC9486473 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.912768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A healthy lifestyle during pregnancy is important for the health of mother and child. However, unfavorable physical activity (PA) and dietary changes are observed in pregnant women and their partner. Partner's influence on lifestyle has been reported by expectant women and men. The first aim was to analyze associations between perceived partner support on expectant parents own as well as their partner's moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) levels and dietary intake. Secondly, this study aimed to investigate intra-couple associations of MVPA, dietary intake and perceived support. Methods A total of 152 heterosexual couples were recruited between week 8 and 10 of gestation by means of convenience sampling. Objective anthropometric and 7-day MVPA measurements were performed at 12 weeks of gestation. An online questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake, perceived partner support and socio-demographic characteristics. An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model for distinguishable dyads was constructed to examine the relationship between perceived partner support and both own's (i.e., actor-effect) and the partner's (i.e., partner-effect) MVPA levels, intake of fruits and vegetables, and an "avoidance food group." Results For pregnant women, perceived support from their partner was significantly associated with women's own MVPA levels (i.e., actor-effect; estimate = 0.344, SE = 0.168, p = 0.040) as well as the MVPA levels of the men (i.e., partner-effect; estimate = 0.717, SE = 0.255, p = 0.005). No significant actor- nor partner-effects were found for the expectant fathers. For none of the sexes significant actor-effects were found for fruit/vegetables and "avoidance food group" intake. For pregnant women, there was a positive partner-effect for fruit and vegetable intake (estimate = 7.822, SE = 1.842, p < 0.001) and a negative partner-effect for the "avoidance food group" intake (estimate = -16.115, SE = 3.629, p < 0.001). Positive correlations were found for perceived MVPA support (r = 0.40, p < 0.001), MVPA levels (r = 0.24, p = 0.007) and food intake from the "avoidance food group" (r = 0.28, p = 0.005) between partners. Conclusion This study shows that male partners can act as significant facilitators for women. Partners may be an important target when promoting MVPA during pregnancy. Additionally, supportive couples seem to strengthen each other in keeping a healthy lifestyle in early pregnancy. These results justify couple-based interventions in the promotion of a healthy lifestyle during the transition to parenthood. Clinical trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT03454958.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vickà Versele
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium,Department of Development and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,*Correspondence: Vickà Versele
| | - Annick Bogaerts
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Research and Innovation in Care, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium,Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Roland Devlieger
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Fertility, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Matthys
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leonardo Gucciardo
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium,Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tom Deliens
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Clarys
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dirk Aerenhouts
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Recommendations for the Development of Family-Based Interventions Aiming to Prevent Unhealthy Changes in Energy Balance-Related Behavior during the Transition to Parenthood: A Focus Group Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112346. [PMID: 35684147 PMCID: PMC9182952 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Feasible interventions addressing unhealthy changes in energy balance-related behavior (EBRB) during pregnancy and early postpartum are needed. This study identified the needs and wishes of expecting and first-time parents concerning EBRB interventions during the transition to parenthood. Thirteen focus group discussions (n = 74) were conducted. Couples provided information about whether an intervention targeting unhealthy EBRB changes during pregnancy and postpartum would be acceptable, how such an intervention should look like, and in which way and during which period they needed support. Guided by the TiDIER checklist, all quotes were divided into five main categories (i.e., ‘what’, ‘how’, ‘when and how much’, ‘where’, ‘for and from whom’). Interventions should aim for changes at the individual, social, environmental and policy levels. The accessibility and approach (indirect or face-to-face) together with communicational aspects should be taken into account. A focus should go to delivering reliable and personalized information and improving self-regulation skills. Interventions should be couple- or family-based. Authorities, healthcare professionals, the partner and peers are important sources for intervention delivery and support. In the prevention of unhealthy EBRB changes around childbirth, the involvement of both parents is needed, while health care professionals play an important role in providing personalized advice.
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Lo BK, Haneuse S, McBride BA, Redline S, Taveras EM, Davison KK. Prospective Associations Between Fathers' Engagement in Infant Caregiving and Their Weight-Related Behaviors and Mental Health. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221079152. [PMID: 35225045 PMCID: PMC8882948 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221079152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fathers’ engagement in infant caregiving is linked with positive social,
emotional, and developmental outcomes in children; however, its relationship
with fathers’ own health is largely unknown. This longitudinal study examined
associations between fathers’ caregiving engagement with their 6-month-old
infants and their physical activity, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption,
nighttime sleep duration, and depressive symptoms 6 months later when infants
were 12 months old. Participants were 143 fathers of infants (62.7% non-Hispanic
White, 82.3% with a bachelor’s degree). Fathers reported their frequency of
engagement in seven caregiving activities when infants were 6 months old.
Fathers’ physical activity, SSB consumption, nighttime sleep duration, and
depressive symptoms were assessed when infants were 6 and 12 months old.
Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess if fathers who
reported higher infant caregiving at 6 months had more positive health outcomes
at 12 months, controlling for fathers’ age, race/ethnicity, education,
employment, household income, and the outcome at 6 months. Fathers who reported
higher caregiving engagement when infants were 6 months old had increased odds
of being sufficiently physically active 6 months later (unadjusted odds ratio
[OR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.00, 1.41]; adjusted OR = 1.47,
95% CI = [1.11, 1.96]). No links were identified between fathers’ caregiving
engagement and their SSB consumption, nighttime sleep duration, or depressive
symptoms. In summary, fathers’ engagement in infant caregiving may be beneficial
to their physical activity in the first year after birth. There was insufficient
evidence in this study that the benefits of caregiving engagement were
experienced broadly across multiple health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian K Lo
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Sebastien Haneuse
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brent A McBride
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Susan Redline
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elsie M Taveras
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Versele V, Stok FM, Dieberger A, Deliens T, Aerenhouts D, Deforche B, Bogaerts A, Devlieger R, Clarys P. Determinants of Changes in Women's and Men's Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior across the Transition to Parenthood: A Focus Group Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042421. [PMID: 35206608 PMCID: PMC8878758 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Becoming a parent may cohere with drastic changes in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). A clear understanding of determinants of changes in PA and SB during pregnancy and postpartum is needed to facilitate the development of tailored family-based interventions. METHODS Thirteen focus group discussions targeting determinants of changes in PA and SB behavior were conducted, involving a total of 74 expecting and first-time parents. A semi-structured question guide was used to facilitate the discussions. RESULTS Four main levels of determinants were identified: the individual (including psychological, situational and biological determinants), interpersonal, environmental and policy level. Some determinants were mentioned to be a barrier (e.g., "barriers to self-care") while others were a facilitator (e.g., "weight control"). Determinants were related to both PA and SB and applicable during pregnancy as well as postpartum (e.g., "self-regulation"), or only related to one behavior and/or one period (e.g., "feeding baby"). Some were described by both parents (e.g., "parenthood perceptions"), whereas others were mentioned by women (e.g., "PA knowledge") or men (e.g., "time opportunities") only. CONCLUSIONS Focus should be given to interventions aimed at improving parents' self-regulation skills and support on how to cope with interpersonal and situational constraints as well as parenthood perceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vickà Versele
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (T.D.); (D.A.); (B.D.); (P.C.)
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (A.B.); (R.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Femke Marijn Stok
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Anna Dieberger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Tom Deliens
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (T.D.); (D.A.); (B.D.); (P.C.)
| | - Dirk Aerenhouts
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (T.D.); (D.A.); (B.D.); (P.C.)
| | - Benedicte Deforche
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (T.D.); (D.A.); (B.D.); (P.C.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annick Bogaerts
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (A.B.); (R.D.)
- Centre for Research and Innovation in Care (CRIC), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Roland Devlieger
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (A.B.); (R.D.)
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Fertility, GZA Campus Wilrijk, Oosterveldlaan 24, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Clarys
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (T.D.); (D.A.); (B.D.); (P.C.)
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12
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Relative Importance of Determinants of Changes in Eating Behavior during the Transition to Parenthood: Priorities for Future Research and Interventions. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13072429. [PMID: 34371937 PMCID: PMC8308599 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Healthy eating behavior throughout pregnancy and postpartum is important. This study aimed to investigate the perceived sex-specific importance of determinants of changes in eating behavior during pregnancy and postpartum. Methods: Fifty-four determinants were rated by first-time parents (n = 179) on their impact. Experts (n = 31) rated the determinants in terms of their modifiability, relationship strength, and population-level effect from which a “priority for research”-score was calculated. Results: During pregnancy, the three highest rated determinants by women were “health concerns”, “physiological changes”, and “fatigue”. Men perceived “health concerns”, “health consciousness”, and “influence of the pregnant partner” as important. Postpartum, the three highest rated determinants by women were “adaptation to rhythm of baby”, “baby becomes priority”, and “practical constraints because of the baby”. Men perceived “adaptation to rhythm of baby”, “fatigue”. and “(lack of) anticipation” as important. According to the experts, “professional influence”, “food knowledge”, and “home food availability” received high priority scores for both sexes and during both periods. Conclusions: Priority for research and interventions should go towards tailored family-based approaches focusing on food education in a broad sense taking into account aspects such as health consciousness, self-efficacy skills, and the social and home food environment while being supported by healthcare professionals.
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13
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Determinants of changes in women's and men's eating behavior across the transition to parenthood: a focus group study. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2021; 18:95. [PMID: 34253197 PMCID: PMC8276457 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-021-01137-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the pregnancy and postpartum period, both women and men experience physiological and psychological changes, which may negatively impact their eating behavior. A clear understanding of determinants of changes in eating behavior during this period is needed to facilitate the development of targeted family-based interventions countering unfavorable dietary changes during this critical life period. Methods Thirteen focus group discussions targeting determinants of changes in eating behavior during pregnancy and postpartum were conducted, involving a total of 74 expecting and first-time parents. A semi-structured question guide was used to facilitate the discussions. An inductive thematic approach was used to derive main and sub-categories of determinants from the data. The Determinants of Nutrition and Eating (DONE)-framework was employed to systematically organize and label the categories and determinants. Results Two frameworks were developed; one for the pregnancy and one for the postpartum period, comprising determinants of changes in eating behavior in both women and men. Three main levels of determinants were identified: (1) the individual level, including psychological (e.g., ‘health consciousness’), situational (e.g., ‘effort and convenience’) and biological (e.g., ‘discomfort’); (2) the interpersonal level (e.g., ‘social influence’) and (3) the environmental level, including micro- and meso/macro (e.g., ‘home/environment food availability’). Determinants acting as barriers (e.g., ‘time constraints’) or facilitators (e.g., ‘being a role model’) were identified. Many determinants were mentioned during both (e.g., ‘food knowledge’) or just one investigated period (e.g., ‘physiological changes’ during pregnancy, ‘influence of the baby’ postpartum). Finally, some were described by both parents (e.g., ‘self-regulation’), whereas others were mentioned by women (e.g., ‘(perceived) food safety’) or men (e.g., ‘other priorities’) only. Conclusion The developed frameworks set the foundation for the development of future family-based interventions and may be used already by healthcare providers to provide dietary guidance and support for women and men transitioning into parenthood. A focus on the interplay of individual factors at the biological and psychological level together with situational difficulties during pregnancy is recommended. Postpartum, focus should go to support first-time parents to obtain balance of both maintaining one’s own health and taking care of the baby, on improving self-regulation skills, and on coping with related situational constraints. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12966-021-01137-4.
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14
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Associations between romantic attachment and sexual satisfaction through intimacy and couple support among pregnant couples. EUROPEAN REVIEW OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.erap.2020.100622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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15
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Lo BK, Kang AW, Haneuse S, Yu X, Ash TV, Redline S, Taveras EM, Davison KK. Changes in Fathers' Body Mass Index, Sleep, and Diet From Prebirth to 12 Months Postbirth: Exploring the Moderating Roles of Parenthood Experience and Coparenting Support. Ann Behav Med 2021; 55:1211-1219. [PMID: 33674862 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaab013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While research has examined prenatal to postnatal changes in women's weight, sleep, and diet, much less is known about these changes among fathers. PURPOSE This study aimed to (a) examine changes in fathers' body mass index (BMI), sleep, and diet from 1 month before birth to 5-6 months following birth, and from 5-6 months to 11-12 months following birth and (b) explore the moderating roles of parenthood experience and coparenting support. METHODS 169 fathers (mean age 35.5 years, 58.9% White) participated. Fathers completed an intake survey shortly after their infant's birth to recall their height and weight, nighttime sleep hours, fruit and vegetable intake, soda intake, and fast food intake for the month prior to birth. When their child was 6 and 12 months old, fathers reported their weight, sleep, and diet again for the past 4 weeks (i.e., 4 week periods spanning 5-6 months and 11-12 months following birth). Generalized estimating equations were used to answer our research questions. RESULTS Fathers reported higher BMI (Δ = 0.22 kg/m2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06, 0.38; p = .008) and less nighttime sleep duration (Δ = -0.21 hr; 95% CI = -0.38, -0.05; p = .012) at 5-6 months following birth compared to 1 month prior to birth. Fathers' diet remained stable over the three timepoints. No evidence was found to support the moderating roles of parenthood experience and coparenting support on fathers' weight and behavior changes. CONCLUSIONS 5-6 months following birth may be an important point of intervention for fathers to promote a return to prebirth BMI and sleep levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian K Lo
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Augustine W Kang
- Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Sebastien Haneuse
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xinting Yu
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tayla von Ash
- Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.,Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Susan Redline
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elsie M Taveras
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Baldoni F, Ancora G, Latour JM. Being the Father of a Preterm-Born Child: Contemporary Research and Recommendations for NICU Staff. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:724992. [PMID: 34552898 PMCID: PMC8450441 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.724992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Most studies on parental reactions to a preterm birth and to hospitalization of the newborn in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) have involved mothers. However, emotional responses and behaviors of fathers are equally important. Usually, the father is the first to meet the preterm newborn, to find out information about baby's condition and to communicate to the mother and other family members. In this context he is often left alone and can show psychological difficulties including affective disorders such as depression or anxiety. This paper describes the role of fathers in the NICU, the best practices to support fathers, and to explain the role of a psychologist in the NICU staff. Considerations and suggestions are provided on the difficulties encountered to support parents, with a focus on the role of fathers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods and Discussion: Considering contemporary research data and following an attachment perspective, we analyze the role of the father of a preterm-born child in the relation with the partner and in newborn caring. Research has shown that involving fathers in newborn care in NICU and at home is essential not only because it promotes the father/son attachment relationship and has positive effects on the psychological and somatic development of the newborn, but also for the health of the mother and whole family. Conclusion: Recommendations are provided to enhance the functions of fathers in the NICU, promote their involvement in the care of their infant, and interventions to prevent the manifestation of psychological suffering and/or perinatal affective disorders. The commitments of a psychologist in a NICU team are presented and require not only clinical skills, but also the ability to manage the emotional and relational difficulties of fathers, family and NICU staff. Considerations and suggestions are provided on the difficulties encountered by parents in the NICU during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Baldoni
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gina Ancora
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Infermi Hospital, Rimini, Italy
| | - Jos M Latour
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom.,Department of Nursing, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
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17
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Cohabiting and becoming a parent: associations with changes in physical activity in the 1970 British cohort study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1085. [PMID: 32650747 PMCID: PMC7353783 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09187-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We examined the association between family–related life events (cohabitation/marriage and becoming a parent) and change in physical activity. Methods Longitudinal data (n = 8045) from the 1970 British Cohort Study (30 and 34 years) were included. Life events (beginning cohabitation/marriage and becoming a parent) were reported and coded: 0 no, 1 yes, for each event occurring between 30 and 34 years. Participants reported frequency of participation in leisure-time physical activity at 30 and 34 years (Likert scale: mean change calculated ranging between − 4 and 4). Linear regression models were used to examine the association between life events and physical activity change (comparing individuals experiencing events between 30 and 34 years versus never experiencing the event - excluding participants that experienced previous events – with a final analysis sample of n = 3833 in parenthood analysis; n = 1137 in cohabitation analysis). Interaction terms were used to analyse combined parenthood and cohabitation status. Analyses were adjusted for level of education achieved, ethnicity, country of origin and other life events. ANCOVA was used to examine associations between change in physical activity and child age. Results Compared to remaining without children, becoming a parent was associated with a greater reduction in physical activity among men [β:-0.234(95%CI:-0.396 to − 0.072)] but not women [0.126(− 0.048;0.301)]. No associations were found between cohabitation and physical activity. Men who became fathers both while cohabitating [− 0.201(− 0.383;-0.020)] and without cohabiting [− 0.937(− 1.623;-0.250)] experienced greater physical activity declines than those remaining single and without children; the decline was greatest among non-cohabiting fathers. These associations did not differ by child age. Conclusions Parenthood appears to differentially impact physical activity for men and women; this association also differs by cohabitation status. Parenthood appears to be most detrimental to physical activity levels among men. Interventions for physical activity could target new or soon-to-be parents, especially fathers. Further analyses with device-measured physical activity data would be valuable to advance understanding of these associations.
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18
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Tian J, Smith KJ, Cleland V, Gall S, Dwyer T, Venn AJ. Partnering and parenting transitions in Australian men and women: associations with changes in weight, domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviours. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2020; 17:87. [PMID: 32641065 PMCID: PMC7346521 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-020-00989-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Partnering and parenting are important life-stage transitions often accompanied by changes in social networks, roles and responsibilities. There have been no longitudinal studies examining associations of partnering and parenting with changes in domain-specific physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviours, and our understanding of whether these transitions are associated with weight change is limited. Methods Two thousand one hundred and twenty-four Australian adults from a national cohort (mean age 31.7 (2.7) years, 47.5% male) completed questionnaires at baseline (2004–06) and follow-up (2009–11), reporting marital and parental status. Weight (kg) was measured at baseline and self-reported at follow-up. PA and sedentary behaviours (sitting and television (TV) viewing) were self-reported in a subset (n = 1221). Linear regression estimated the longitudinal associations of parenting and partnering transitions with PA, sedentary behaviours and weight at follow-up, adjusted for baseline value of the respective outcome variable, age, education, follow-up duration and other life-stage transition. Results During the 5-year follow-up, 17.3% men and 12.9% women partnered, and 27.3% men and 19.1% women had their first child. Compared to staying not partnered, partnering was associated with an increase in total PA (177.5mins/week, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 18.0 to 337.0) among men and a greater weight gain (2.2 kg, 95% CI 0.6 to 3.7) among women. Compared to remaining child-free, having a first child was associated with greater reductions in total PA (− 123.9mins/week, 95% CI − 248.8 to 1.1) and TV viewing time (− 27.0mins/day, 95% CI − 50.6 to − 3.3) among men. Women who had their first child had greater weight gain (1.4 kg, 95% CI 0.1 to 2.7) but spent less time sitting (− 103.8mins/day, 95% CI − 135.5 to − 72.1) than those remaining child-free. For women, having additional children was associated with less sitting time (− 39.4mins/week, 95% CI − 66.0 to − 12.8) than having the same number of children. Conclusions Partnering was associated with an increase in men’s total PA and women’s weight. Transitions into parenthood with a first child or additional children were associated with potentially health-impairing changes in weight and PA, but health-promoting changes in sedentary behaviours. Future PA promotion strategies should pay attention to men who had their first child to mitigate declining total PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tian
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia.
| | - Kylie J Smith
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
| | - Verity Cleland
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
| | - Seana Gall
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
| | - Terence Dwyer
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia.,The George Institute for Global Health, University of Oxford, Wellington Square, Oxford, UK
| | - Alison J Venn
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
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19
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Corder K, Winpenny EM, Foubister C, Guagliano JM, Hartwig XM, Love R, Clifford Astbury C, van Sluijs EM. Becoming a parent: A systematic review and meta-analysis of changes in BMI, diet, and physical activity. Obes Rev 2020; 21:e12959. [PMID: 31955517 PMCID: PMC7078970 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Obesity prevalence rises fastest during young adulthood when weight, diet, and physical activity may be influenced by life events, including becoming a parent, but the impact is uncertain. We searched six electronic databases to July 2019 for longitudinal studies (both sexes) aged 15 to 35 years with a prospective pre-pregnancy/parenthood and post-delivery outcome. Of 11 studies (across 15 papers), six studies (women only) were eligible for meta-analysis of the difference in change in body mass index (BMI; kg/m2 ) between remaining without children and becoming a parent. Mean (±SD) BMI gain for non-mothers was 2.8 ± 1.3 kg/m2 (~7.5 kg for 164-cm woman) over 5.6 ± 3.1 years; 12.3% of baseline BMI (22.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2 ). Becoming a mother was associated with an additional BMI increase of 0.47 ± 0.26 kg/m2 (~1.3 kg), 4.3% of baseline BMI (22.8 ± 5.6 kg/m2 ); the one study including men reported no difference in change. Physical activity results were equivocal; 2/4 studies (women) and 2/2 (men) showed a greater decline in parents versus non-parents; diet (three studies) varied by dietary measure, mostly indicating no difference. Becoming a mother is associated with 17% greater absolute BMI gain than remaining childless. Motherhood BMI gain is additional to an alarming BMI increase among young women, highlighting the need for obesity prevention among all young women, including mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Corder
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic ScienceUniversity of Cambridge School of Clinical MedicineCambridgeUK
| | - Eleanor M. Winpenny
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic ScienceUniversity of Cambridge School of Clinical MedicineCambridgeUK
| | - Campbell Foubister
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic ScienceUniversity of Cambridge School of Clinical MedicineCambridgeUK
| | - Justin M. Guagliano
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic ScienceUniversity of Cambridge School of Clinical MedicineCambridgeUK
| | - Xenia M. Hartwig
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic ScienceUniversity of Cambridge School of Clinical MedicineCambridgeUK
| | - Rebecca Love
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic ScienceUniversity of Cambridge School of Clinical MedicineCambridgeUK
| | - Chloe Clifford Astbury
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic ScienceUniversity of Cambridge School of Clinical MedicineCambridgeUK
| | - Esther M.F. van Sluijs
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic ScienceUniversity of Cambridge School of Clinical MedicineCambridgeUK
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Bakermans‐Kranenburg MJ, Lotz A, Alyousefi‐van Dijk K, van IJzendoorn M. Birth of a Father: Fathering in the First 1,000 Days. CHILD DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES 2019; 13:247-253. [PMID: 31894183 PMCID: PMC6919930 DOI: 10.1111/cdep.12347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
As a result of societal changes, fathers participate more actively in child care than they used to. In this article, we propose a context-dependent biobehavioral model of emergent fatherhood in which sociocultural, behavioral, hormonal, and neural factors develop and interact during the first 1,000 days of fatherhood. Sociocultural factors, including different expectations of fathers and varying opportunities for paternal caregiving through paid paternal leave, influence paternal involvement. Levels of hormones (e.g., testosterone, vasopressin, oxytocin, cortisol) predict fathers' parenting behaviors, and involvement in caregiving in turn affects their hormones and brain responses to infant stimuli. The birth of the first child marks the transition to fatherhood and may be a critical period in men's lives, with a smoother transition to fatherhood predicting more optimal involvement by fathers in subsequent years. A focus on prenatal and early postnatal fathering may pave the way for developing interventions that effectively support fathering during pregnancy and in the first years of their children's lives.
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