Is infant feeding pattern associated with father's quality of life?

Validation of a Turkish version of the fathers' breastfeeding attitude and participation scale

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the validity, structure, and reliability of a Turkish version of the Fathers' Breastfeeding Attitude and Participation Scale. The Fathers' Breastfeeding Attitude and Participation Scale consists of two parts, namely, Fathers' Breastfeeding Attitude and Fathers' Participation in Breastfeeding Process. Totally, the scale consists of 28 items, of which 14 items belong to Fathers' Breastfeeding Attitude and 14 items belong to Fathers' Participation in Breastfeeding Process. There is no report of a validity and reliability study in the original scale. Currently, there is no validated and reliable scale to assess Fathers' Breastfeeding Attitudes and Involvement in Turkish literature and other languages. In this context, the psychometric properties of the Fathers' Breastfeeding Attitudes and Involvement Scale were examined.

METHODS

The instruments were translated and adapted according to the WHO guidelines.

RESULTS

The Turkish version of the Fathers' Breastfeeding Attitude and Participation Scale demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability.

CONCLUSION

The use of the validated instrument to examine fathers' breastfeeding attitudes and participation in the breastfeeding process will provide data to guide as it is a determinant of breastfeeding behavior.

Fathers involvement in child feeding and its associated factors among fathers having children aged 6 to 24 months in Antsokia Gemza Woreda, Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Father Involvement is exercising positive influences on child feeding. Mothers are usually the primary caregivers for young children. The role of fathers in the proper child feeding of young children has not been a frequent topic of study. Past research has found low rates and little is known about fathers' involvement in child feeding for children 6-23 months in Ethiopia. The aim of this study is to assess fathers' involvement in child feeding children aged 6-24 Months.

OBJECTIVES

To assess fathers' involvement in child feeding and associated factors among fathers having children aged 6 to 24 months.

METHODOLOGY

A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from Jan 23/2022 to April 07/2022. A systematic random sampling technique was applied to select study participants. A total of 408 respondents participated in the study. Data was entered into EPI data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used for analysis.

RESULT

Father's involvement in child feeding was 43.1%. Factors that were significantly associated with good fathers involvement in child feeding include urban residence(AOR = 3.878, 95% CI = (1.408-10.678), male sex of the youngest child(AOR = 3.681, 95% CI = (1.678-8.075)), first birth order of the youngest child(AOR = 3.970, 95% CI = (1.212-13.005)), Better(secondary and higher) educational status (AOR = 4.945,95% CI = (1.043-23.454)) and AOR = 5.151, 95% CI = (1.122-23.651)), having ever heard information(AOR = 8.593, 95% CI = (3.044-24.261)), good knowledge (AOR = 3.843,95% CI = (1.318-11.210)), positive attitude (AOR = 8.565, 95% CI = (3.521-20.837)) and good culture (AOR = 10.582,95% CI = (2.818-39.734)).

CONCLUSIONS

Father involvement in child feeding was poor in Antsokia Gemza Woreda. Urban residences, male sex of the youngest child, first birth order of the youngest child, better (secondary and higher) educational status, having ever heard information, good knowledge, positive attitude, and good culture were significantly associated with fathers' involvement in child feeding. Health information dissemination on father involvement in child feeding should be strengthened.

Validity and Reliability of the Chinese Version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale for Fathers of Newborns

Studies often use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) or the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) as a screening tool for depression in new mothers or fathers following the birth of an infant, but no studies have evaluated EPDS as a predictor of postnatal depression for new fathers in a Chinese population. This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of a Chinese version of the EPDS for fathers of newborns in Taiwan. The study included 368 parents with newborns ≤2 months of age and without any health problems. Construct and criterion-related validities were assessed and Cronbach's alpha was used for measuring internal consistency reliability. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyzed the optimal cutoff score for the EPDS. Scores for the Chinese EPDS were significantly higher for fathers who were >34 years of age, employed in a professional occupation, and participated in feeding their infant (p < .05). Mean scores among the fathers for the EPDS and BDI-II were significantly correlated (r = .64, p < .001). The Cronbach's alpha was .83 for the EPDS; ROC curve analysis revealed the optimal cutoff of the EPDS was ≥8 points and the area under the ROC curve was 0.91. The EPDS had good validity and reliability and should therefore be considered suitable for the evaluation of postnatal depression in fathers of newborn infants in Taiwan.

Relationships between parent-infant bonding, dyadic adjustment and quality of life, in an intra-partner sample

The transition to parenthood represents a moment of change and adaptation in which the dyadic marital relationship becomes a triadic relationship. Facilitating a positive transition requires a thorough understanding of the explanatory model of the relationship between parental-infant bonding, dyadic adjustment and quality of life (QoL) from an integrative perspective of the family unit. The aim of this work was to analyse the relationships between parent-infant bonding, dyadic adjustment and QoL from an intra-partner perspective, 6-12 months after the birth of a child. A cross-sectional observational study was performed in a convenience sample of 222 couples 6-12 months postpartum, enrolled from October 2013 to March 2016. The mean age of the mothers was 34.07 years (SD = 3.67), and for the fathers, it was 35.75 years (SD = 4.02). Mothers perceived better QoL and greater mother-infant bonding compared to fathers. The perception of an adequate dyadic adjustment, together with positive parent-infant bonding, had positively influenced the individual QoL of both members of the couple 6-12 months after birth. From an intra-partner perspective, the positive transition was influenced by the relationship between parent-infant bonding, dyadic adjustment and QoL. Positive parent-infant bonding in mothers and fathers, as well as promotion of the quality of the relationships between couples, can help promote a better QoL. Positive health results can be achieved in terms of individual and family well-being by designing healthcare interventions that encourage the presence and participation of the family unit.

The Role of Fathers in Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding

The cornerstone of a newborn's nutrition is breastfeeding. Due to its well-known benefits for mothers, children, and society in the short and long term, the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) recommend it as the best way of feeding the baby during the first six months of life. The family, particularly the spouse, may significantly influence the baby's quality of nursing. On a global scale, previous studies have demonstrated that family members (such as a mother's spouse, partner, or grandmother) not only affect her choice to start and endure breastfeeding but also significantly contribute to the early postnatal period's cessation of appropriate breastfeeding. A father's knowledge and attitude are fundamental in this regard, as he has the most critical role in helping women with parenting and feeding their babies. Furthermore, because the father's role is considered important in a family, the partner's or wife's perception of the father's attitude may alter her subjective criteria about exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Future initiatives should target new mothers and their spouses to see how they may provide the most beneficial assistance to new mothers. The main focus should be on targeting newly married couples. The father's lack of involvement may be due to the hierarchical structure of power within households. Because of this hierarchical aspect, partners or fathers may significantly influence a mother's choice to nurse their child correctly. Household chores, childcare for grown-up children, guaranteeing the well-being of their spouse, preparing meals, recognizing a newborn's hunger cues, burping, and changing the infant's diaper after feedings, all these factors indirectly support the mother in initiating and enduring the nursing of a child.

Relationships between paternal attitudes, paternal involvement, and infant-feeding outcomes: Mixed-methods findings from a global on-line survey of English-speaking fathers

The breastfeeding intention-behaviour gap remains wide in developed countries. Current studies have focused on maternal attitudes and behaviours concerning infant feeding in order to explore barriers to breastfeeding continuation. There has been limited consideration of the impact of paternal attitudes and behaviours, despite contemporary parenthood evolving and evidence indicating that there are greater levels of paternal involvement in routine childcare tasks. This mixed-methods study used a triangulation design to examine the associations between paternal attitudes towards parenthood and infant-feeding methods, levels of paternal involvement, infant-feeding outcomes, and father-infant relationships. Fathers of infants <52 weeks completed an online survey providing quantitative data (N = 212) and qualitative data (N = 208). For the quantitative data, fathers completed validated measures about their attitude towards parenthood and infant feeding, levels of paternal involvement, and infant-feeding history. For the qualitative data, questions explored influences on paternal attitudes towards infant feeding and the father-infant relationship. After controlling for covariates, regression analyses found egalitarian attitudes towards parenthood were positively associated with both attitudes towards breastfeeding and levels of paternal involvement. Positive paternal attitudes towards breastfeeding were significantly associated with increased likelihood of breastfeeding. A thematic framework analysis indicated fathers' attitudes towards infant feeding were largely influenced by their families and partners or healthcare professionals. Polarised views were expressed about the impact infant-feeding methods had on the father-infant relationship, although fathers were united in their desire to bond with their infant. Addressing paternal attitudes and the importance of father-infant involvement in domains other than feeding maybe beneficial in supporting breastfeeding and the father-infant relationship.

From dyad to triad: a survey on fathers' knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding

Fathers are known to impact breastfeeding outcomes. We aimed to explore paternal knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding, and possible association with breastfeeding rates at discharge. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 200 fathers of healthy term neonates. At discharge, fathers were asked to rate their degree of agreement to 12 items on a 5-point Likert scale. A total score was obtained from their answers. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to verify if the total score was predictive of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. A multivariable logistic regression model was then used to adjust for possible confounders. ROC analysis was performed, and a Youden's total score cut-off value was determined to define total score's performance in predicting exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. Fathers showed a solid knowledge of maternal (87%) and neonatal (98%) benefits of breastfeeding, skin-to-skin (99.5%), rooming-in (79%), and responsive feeding (67.5%); conversely, only 51% knew about the recommended use of pacifiers. Fathers felt personally involved in babies' feeding in 79% of cases. An association was found between total score and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge at univariate (OR: 1.07, p = 0.04) but not at multivariable analysis (OR: 1.07, p = 0.067). ROC analysis was not statistically significant (AUC 0.58, p = 0.083).Conclusion: By using a novel instrument aimed at quantifying fathers' knowledge and overall attitude toward breastfeeding, this study underlines the importance of including fathers in the promotion of breastfeeding. Expanding the classic mother-baby dyad to a more modern mother-father-baby triad may impact breastfeeding outcomes at discharge. What is known: • Social support plays a major role in improving breastfeeding outcomes. • Fathers may greatly influence initiation and duration of breastfeeding; the more they know, the more helpful they can be. What is new: • A multidisciplinary team created a structured questionnaire aimed at quantifying fathers' knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding. • The association between a higher questionnaire total score and exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge highlights the importance of including fathers in the promotion of breastfeeding, as part of the breastfeeding team.

Fathers' Experiences and Perspectives of Breastfeeding: A Scoping Review

During the transition to parenthood, fathers may experience significant challenges, including finding a place for themselves as important participants in the context of infant breastfeeding by female partners. Although generally viewed as a healthy process and the preferred method of infant feeding, breastfeeding may result in some fathers feeling excluded, inadequate, and helpless. Breastfeeding is known to adversely affect various aspects of a father’s life, including parenting self-efficacy, quality of life (QOL), the relationship with the partner, and the perception that breastfeeding limits time available for father–infant bonding. The current scoping review explores the experiences, roles, and needs of fathers of breastfed infants by synthesizing and discussing the findings from relevant published research studies (n = 18). Recommendations, drawn from the scoping review findings, are offered to guide primary health providers and services.

Infant feeding and health-related quality of life in healthy Chinese infants: results from a prospective, observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Infant feeding regimens, including breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or a combination of the two, may influence infant health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, few studies have examined this association.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study assessed HRQOL in relation to three parent-selected feeding regimens: exclusively breastfed (n = 136), exclusively study formula-fed (n = 140), and mixed-fed with study formula and breast milk (n = 151). Healthy Chinese infants were enrolled at their first normally scheduled well infant clinic visit at age 42 days (study day 1). Parents independently chose their infants' feeding regimens prior to recruitment into the study, with infants in the formula and mixed-fed groups already consuming an infant formula enriched with α-lactalbumin and increased sn-2 palmitate and oligofructose. The Infant and Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire, which includes six infant-focused and three parent-focused concepts, was used to assess HRQOL at day 1 and at a follow-up visit 48 days later. Scores for each concept ranged from 0 to 100. Parent quality of life (assessed using the Mental Component Summary score of the SF-12v2 Health Survey) was included in the ANCOVA model to adjust for its potential effect on parent's perception of infant HRQOL.

RESULTS

HRQOL concept scores were high in all three study groups at both visits (mean scores 71-95). Day 1 HRQOL scores were not significantly different between groups. At day 48, 5 of 9 HRQOL scores were not significantly different between groups. However, scores for Temperament and Moods, General Health Perceptions and Parent Impact-Time were slightly but statistically significantly lower in the formula-fed group (mean scores 75-86; all p ≤ 0.01) compared to the breastfed (78-90) and mixed-fed (77-91) groups. Day 48 Parent Impact-Emotional scores were also significantly lower by a small margin (4 points; p = 0.003) in the formula-fed group compared with the breastfed group.

CONCLUSIONS

HRQOL was high in this population of healthy infants, with only a few small differences in HRQOL concept scores observed between breastfed, formula-fed and mixed-fed infants. These results indicate favorable physical, mental, and social well-being in these infants and parents. Assessment of infant HRQOL is therefore feasible and provides valuable insight into parental perceptions of their child's health and well-being.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01370967 .

Engaging and supporting fathers to promote breast feeding: a concept analysis

OBJECTIVE

Empirical evidence demonstrates that fathers have a strong influence on a mother's decision to initiate and continue breast feeding. However, no clear delineation of what behaviours and attributes constitute father support or differentiate it from other kinds of support is provided in the current literature. The purpose of this study was to analyse the concept of 'father support' in relation to maternity services and broader health settings, thereby clarifying meaning to enable comprehension and application in practice, education, and research.

DESIGN

A concept analysis combining the evolutionary model of concept development with the inter-related theoretical, fieldwork and analytical phases of the hybrid model of concept development.

SETTING

Children's Centres in East and West Sussex in Southern England.

PARTICIPANTS

Repeated qualitative research over two phases with 16 parents of breast fed infants through seven focus groups and five telephone interviews.

MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS

CINAHL, PsycINFO, AMED, MEDLINE, OVID and EMBASE databases were searched for articles published in English between 1999 and 2013 using the keywords breast feeding, father, and support. Seven same-sex focus groups and five individual interviews were also conducted over two research phases with the parents of breast fed infants to expand and exemplify, and then validate the analysis of the literature search. Five main attributes of father support in relation to breast feeding were identified: (1) knowledge about breast feeding; (2) positive attitude to breast feeding; (3) involvement in the decision-making process; (4) practical support; and (5) emotional support. Multiple antecedents and consequences to these attributes were also identified.

KEY CONCLUSION

This study has contributed to clarifying the meaning of father support in relation to breast feeding and provides an important starting point for the development of a theoretical and practical model of optimal breast feeding that takes into account father support.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Identification of attributes, antecedents, and consequences of father support may assist practitioners to reflect on current working practices and service delivery models, and offer important educational opportunities for the training of student midwives and other health professionals.

Duration of breast feeding and risk of developmental delay in Taiwanese children: a nationwide birth cohort study

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between duration of breast feeding and four developmental domains: gross motor, fine motor, language, and personal/social skills. This study included 14,621 infants from birth to 18 months of age. In the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study, four developmental screening items adapted from the Denver Development Screening Test were most appropriate for children aged 15 to 18 months. The proportion of young children who had mastered specific milestones increased consistently with longer duration of breast feeding. The adjusted odds ratios of the risk of developmental delay for the longest duration of breast feeding vs. never breast-fed were 0.69 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57, 0.83] for gross motor, 0.64 [95% CI 0.53, 0.77] for fine motor, 0.74 [95% CI 0.60, 0.91] for language, and 0.76 [95% CI 0.64, 0.90] for personal/social skills. Regardless of when the mothers returned to work, duration of breast feeding was found to have an inverse association with developmental delay in young children. The protection against developmental delays remained significant for those children who were breast-fed for more than 6 months. Children who were breast-fed for longer than 6 months had a lower risk of developmental delay than those who were never breast-fed. These data support the hypothesis that duration of breast feeding is positively related to young children's neurodevelopment.