Attitudes of First-Time Fathers in South India Toward Their Role in Their Wives' Prenatal Period.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the attitudes of first-time fathers toward their role during their wives' prenatal period.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.

SETTING: Tertiary care hospital in South India.

PARTICIPANTS: First-time fathers accompanying their pregnant wives to an antenatal clinic.

METHODS: Participants were surveyed to collect information on their attitudes toward their role during the prenatal period. The survey captured attitudes about fathers' role in pregnancy care; role as financial provider; and need to provide physical, emotional, moral, and social support.

RESULTS: Two hundred fathers were included in the sample. Approximately 17.5% (n = 35) had a positive attitude toward their role in the prenatal period, whereas 40% (n = 80) had a negative attitude. Having a joint family (i.e., husband, wife, children, and husband's parents) was found to be negatively associated with fathers' attitudes toward their role during the prenatal period (p < .05).

CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that the presence of a joint family structure was associated with a more negative attitude among fathers toward their role in their wives' pregnancies. Antenatal care should include education programs aimed at enhancing husbands' knowledge, awareness, and active participation during the prenatal period.