Father-Inclusive Perinatal Parent Education Programs: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Perinatal health
• Parenting education
• Family studies

Background:

• Fathers play a crucial role in child development from birth.
• Existing parent education programs often exclude fathers.
• Limited research focuses on the impact of programs on father outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review father-inclusive perinatal parent education programs in the US.
• To examine the effects of these programs on various father-related outcomes.
• To identify evidence-based interventions supporting fathers.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of literature from multiple databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, etc.).
• Inclusion criteria: parent education program evaluation, father outcomes within 1 year of birth, US-based studies.
• Screened 1353 articles, with 21 meeting the final criteria.

Main Results:

• The literature on father-inclusive programs is sparse.
• Positive associations found between programs and father involvement, coparenting, relationship quality, mental health, and supportive behaviors.
• Inconclusive results for father-infant interaction, parenting knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy.

Conclusions:

• A significant need exists for more evidence-based interventions targeting fathers.
• Programs, though limited, show potential benefits for fathers.
• Clinicians should actively engage fathers in early parent education and healthcare settings.