Engagement of Fathers in Parent Group Interventions for Children with Congenital Zika Syndrome: A Qualitative Study

Tracey Smythe, Antony Duttine, Ana Carolina Dias Vieira, Barbara da Silveira Madeira de Castro and Hannah Kuper
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Tracey Smythe: The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E7HT, UK
Antony Duttine: The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E7HT, UK
Ana Carolina Dias Vieira: Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22451-900, Brazil
Barbara da Silveira Madeira de Castro: Instituto Fernandes Figueira, Rio de Janeiro 20021-140, Brazil
Hannah Kuper: The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E7HT, UK

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 20, 1-10

Abstract: We aimed to explore the engagement of fathers in a community-based group intervention (Juntos) for children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) and their caregivers in Brazil. Six Juntos groups were facilitated from August 2017 to May 2018. We conducted a qualitative study to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention for fathers of children with CZS. Methods included participant observation, focus group discussions, and semi-structured interviews of fathers with a child enrolled in the program. Data collected were transcribed, coded and thematically analyzed to explore father preference for, and beliefs about the intervention and to assess potential barriers and enablers to their involvement. Forty-nine families (61 participants) enrolled, of whom 20% (12/61) were fathers. Seven (58%) fathers attended more than 7 out of 10 sessions. The content of Juntos was found to be acceptable to those fathers who attended. Participation in the group offered fathers the opportunity to share experiences of caring for their child and demonstrate their importance as care agents. Work commitments, and the view of mothers as primary caregivers were barriers to engagement of fathers. Facilitators to engagement included a presentation of clear objectives for fathers’ involvement and the opportunity to learn a practical skill related to caring for their child. A better understanding of the perspectives of fathers is crucial to help increase their involvement in parenting interventions.

Keywords: Zika; disability; parent support; low and middle income; father engagement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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