Exploring fathers’ experiences in newborn care in Indonesia: A phenomenological inquiry

Abstract

The critical role of fathers in newborn care and its impact on child development is gaining increasing recognition. This is because a father's involvement contributes to a child's physical health and emotional development. However, unique challenges inherent in newborn care often hinder paternal participation. These obstacles frequently stem from a lack of practical knowledge, insufficient social support, and prevailing cultural norms that tend to limit the father's role. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of fathers concerning their involvement in newborn care. The study employed a qualitative design with a descriptive phenomenological approach. Data collection was conducted from February to May 2024 through semi-structured interviews, utilizing a purposive sampling method for selecting participants. A total of sixteen fathers who had children under the age of five participated in the study. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subsequently analyzed using content analysis, facilitated by NVIVO version 12 software. The data collection process was stopped once saturation was reached. Ethical clearance was obtained before the study began with all participants reading and approving informed consent for their involvement. The study documented six key themes that emerged from the fathers' experiences, father's perception, the impact of father's involvement, practical experiences, changes in their involvement, and the various challenges encountered in caring for newborns. The study highlighted that paternal involvement in newborn care is a complex process that demands comprehensive support. Pediatric nurses serve as fundamental role in recommending several interventions, including the development of evidence-based intervention programs, the integration of fathers' perspectives into health services, the conduct of advanced research with a wider scope, and the development of instruments to support fathers during the demanding period of newborn care.

Keywords: Caregiving, fatherhood, newborn care, paternal mental health, qualitative study