Oral

The National Children’s Study (NCS) will examine the effects of the environment, as broadly defined to include factors such as air, water, diet, sound, family dynamics, community and cultural influences, and genetics on the growth, development, and health of children across the United States, following them from before birth until age 21 years. The goal of the Study is to improve the health and well-being of children and contribute to understanding the role various factors have on health and disease. One important family dynamic that influences maternal health and child health and development is the involvement of fathers. The goal of this session is to update participants of relevant findings, discuss a conceptual approach to father engagement for the NCS and share results from NCS formative research that focuses on fathers.

Session Objectives: 1. Discuss a conceptual approach for understanding the impact of father engagement on maternal health and child health and development for the NCS. 2. Describe the research process of developing a brief, multi-dimensional Father Resource Questionnaire. 3. Describe different methods for recruiting and retaining fathers that have been used in longitudinal research. Identify practices associated with successful father recruitment and retention.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)