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

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.