Paternal Leave Practices Among a Representative Sample of Recent Fathers in Georgia: 2018-2019

Our objective was to assess paternal leave from work practices using a state-based representative sample of fathers with new infants.

Data were analyzed from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for Dads, a population-based, cross-sectional study that surveyed fathers in Georgia 2 to 6 months after their infant's birth October 2018 through July 2019. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to assess factors associated with taking workplace leave.

Among 261 respondents, 240 (92%) were employed while their infants' mother was pregnant. Of employed fathers, 73% reported taking any leave (paid or unpaid). Among fathers taking leave, 53% reported at least some paid leave. Overall, 64% reported taking <2 weeks of leave or no leave and 36% reported taking ≥2 weeks of leave. Fathers taking ≥2 weeks of leave had a higher prevalence of reporting any paid leave compared with those taking <2 weeks of leave or no leave (92% vs 31%; P < .001). Multivariable analyses revealed college-educated fathers were nearly twice as likely to report taking ≥2 weeks of leave compared with those with less education. Among employed fathers reporting taking any leave, factors influencing leave include wanting more leave but being unable to take time off (43%), experiencing financial barriers to taking leave (27%), and having too much work (24%). Factors influencing leave differed by any paid leave vs unpaid leave only.

Despite known benefits of paternity leave, only 75% of fathers took leave, with most taking <2 weeks. Addressing factors influencing leave-taking, including availability of paid leave, may help support parents with new infants.