Exploring Indonesian fathers' educational needs in newborn care: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Nursing
• Family Well-being

Background:

• Father involvement is crucial for infant health and family well-being.
• Paternal roles in Indonesian neonatal care are often overlooked, with limited father-specific education.
• Understanding fathers' experiences is key to developing effective, culturally appropriate interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences and educational needs of Indonesian fathers regarding newborn care.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive study using thematic analysis.
• Sixteen fathers of infants (0-12 months) in Jakarta were interviewed.
• Data analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-step framework; trustworthiness ensured via member checking and peer debriefing.

Main Results:

• Social media is the primary information source for fathers.
• Fathers desire practical involvement and learning in baby care, preferring visual and hands-on methods.
• Challenges include accessing reliable, father-focused content; learning preferences are influenced by practicality, time, and cultural relevance.

Conclusions:

• Indonesian fathers are motivated but lack tailored educational support.
• Pediatric nurses should develop father-inclusive, digital, and culturally responsive interventions.
• Integrating father-focused digital tools like videos and podcasts can enhance paternal competence and bridge the educational gap.