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Formative research to inform the future design of a multicomponent fatherhood intervention to improve early child development in Mwanza, Tanzania

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  • Jeong, Joshua
  • McCann, Juliet K.
  • Alsager, Alya
  • Bhojani, Alina
  • Andrew, Ngusa
  • Joseph, Julieth
  • Ahun, Marilyn N.
  • Kabati, Mary
  • Joachim, Damas

Abstract

Fathers can influence child development through various pathways, such as via their caregiving behaviors, marital relationships, and their psychosocial wellbeing. However, few parenting interventions have been designed to target these multiple dimensions among fathers with young children in low- and middle-income countries. In June 2022, we conducted qualitative formative research to explore the perceptions surrounding fatherhood and the underlying barriers and enablers to engaged fathering in Mwanza, Tanzania. We completed individual in-depth interviews with 29 fathers and 23 mothers of children under aged 2 years along with 5 community leaders and 3 community health workers. We also completed 10 focus group discussions: 4 with fathers, 2 with mothers, and 4 mixed groups that combined both fathers and mothers. In total, the sample included 120 respondents stratified from across 4 study communities. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Respondents highlighted that poor couples' relationships (e.g., limited male partner support, male dominance in decision-making) and fathers' mental health problems (e.g., parenting stress) were major priorities affecting fathers. Father involvement in parenting, childcare, and household activities were generally low. These dimensions of fatherhood were interlinked (e.g., poor paternal mental health constrained marital relationships and parenting). A constellation of determinants impacted engaged fathering. Common barriers included poverty, restrictive gender attitudes and norms, men's limited time at home, and inadequate knowledge about caregiving. Key enablers included mutual respect in marital relationships and men's desires to show their love for their families. Our results highlight the cultural relevance and the need for multicomponent strategies that jointly target fathers' caregiving, marital relationships, and psychosocial wellbeing for enhancing nurturing care and promoting early child development in Tanzania. Study findings can be used to inform the design of a future father-inclusive, gender-transformative parenting intervention for engaging and supporting fathers with young children in the local cultural context.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeong, Joshua & McCann, Juliet K. & Alsager, Alya & Bhojani, Alina & Andrew, Ngusa & Joseph, Julieth & Ahun, Marilyn N. & Kabati, Mary & Joachim, Damas, 2023. "Formative research to inform the future design of a multicomponent fatherhood intervention to improve early child development in Mwanza, Tanzania," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 331(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:331:y:2023:i:c:s027795362300429x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116072
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hasina Rakotomanana & Christine N Walters & Joel J Komakech & Deana Hildebrand & Gail E Gates & David G Thomas & Fanjaniaina Fawbush & Barbara J Stoecker, 2021. "Fathers’ involvement in child care activities: Qualitative findings from the highlands of Madagascar," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(3), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Jeong, Joshua & Sullivan, Eileen F. & McCann, Juliet K., 2023. "Effectiveness of father-inclusive interventions on maternal, paternal, couples, and early child outcomes in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 328(C).
    3. Jeong, Joshua & Ahun, Marilyn N. & Bliznashka, Lilia & Velthausz, Daan & Donco, Rotafina & Yousafzai, Aisha K., 2021. "Barriers and facilitators to father involvement in early child health services: A qualitative study in rural Mozambique," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 287(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Bhojani, Alina & Alsager, Alya & McCann, Juliet K. & Joachim, Damas & Kabati, Mary & Jeong, Joshua, 2024. "“If my wife earns more than me, she will force me to do what she wants”: Women’s economic empowerment and family caregiving dynamics in Tanzania," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).

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