Perinatal Fathers in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: Impacts and Implications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2024.v16i02.023Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges for fathers during the perinatal period, impacting family dynamics, especially among vulnerable groups such as first-time fathers, low-income fathers, and immigrant fathers. This paper explores these effects and proposes strategies for healthcare professionals and community organisations to ensure inclusive, family-centred care. The review aims to enhance fathers’ well-being and family resilience in both pandemic and post-pandemic contexts. Methods: A state-of-the-art review was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, blogs, and advisory publications. A comprehensive literature search was performed, covering the period from March 2020 to March 2021, with an additional search extending to 2024. The review included 18 studies from the initial search period and 30 studies from the post-pandemic period. Results: Three specific themes emerged: fear of the virus, social isolation, and a mental health crisis. Fathers experienced significant anxiety about spreading COVID-19 to their partners and newborns, which increased stress during prenatal care and childbirth. Restrictions on hospital visits limited their involvement in the child birth process, leading to feelings of helplessness and disconnect during crucial bonding periods. Additionally, fathers faced heightened anxiety, depression, and role ambiguity due to caregiving and financial pressures exacerbated by the pandemic. These themes uniquely impacted perinatal fathers, affecting both paternal and maternal mental health and overall family well-being. Recommendations: The findings suggest several actions: customising training programs for healthcare professionals, promoting inclusive nursing practices, advocating for comprehensive parental leave policies, integrating telehealth services, and implementing father-centric interventions to enhance overall perinatal well-being. These recommendations are appropriate for the post-pandemic era as they address ongoing mental health challenges, ensure continuous support, and promote resilience in healthcare systems. These actions are essential to support perinatal fathers and their families in both current and future disruptions. Conclusion: The pandemic highlighted the need for personalised support for fathers to enhance their mental well-being and family welfare. Strategies such as customised training for healthcare professionals, inclusive nursing practices, comprehensive parental leave policies, and telehealth services are essential. These initiatives are crucial to ensure inclusive family-centred care, fostering fathers’ well-being and family resilience in both pandemic and post-pandemic contexts. Immediate and sustained efforts are needed to support perinatal fathers and improve family resilience.
Keywords:
Childbirth, COVID-19, Fathers, Pregnancy, Mental Health, Post-birth, PandemicDownloads
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