The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70220

Sergut Wolde-Yohannes, MPH, EdM¹, Stan McLaren², Deborah Brome, PhD³, Todd Payton, MA², and Eugene Jones². (1) Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center, 801B Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118, 617-784-8406, swoldeyohannes@aol.com, (2) Father Friendly Initiative, 774 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, (3) Global Evaluation and Applied Research Solutions, 3804 Landgras Cove, Decatur, GA 30034

Until recently social and health programs have overlooked contribution of fathers to improved social support and parenting benefits of infants in families. One of the issues that need consideration is determining factors that hinder low-income, non-custodial fathers' involvement in the lives of their children and significant others.

In preliminary analysis of a "one-stop" comprehensive community-based social service program, designed to support interventions aimed at providing fathers with a forum of self-development, it is noted that baseline characteristics of fathers influence their ability to provide emotional, financial and nurturing resources to their children and significant others.

Demographic, psychosocial, physical and mental health information gathered from low income African-American fathers at program intake is analyzed to examine the factors that hinder paternal involvement stratified by age and education. Findings from this descriptive study will be shared to highlight the need for community-based research to better understand factors that hinder fathers' involvement. Having a better understanding of these factors will help to design social and health programs that are appropriate to assist fathers become more involved in the lives of their children and families.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of presentation, participants will be able to:
• gain insight into factors that hinder involvement of low-income African-American and Latino Fathers in the Lives of Their Children and Families
• Identify areas of services and research needed in low-income African-American and Latino communities in the Boston Area

Keywords: Family Involvement, Ethnic Minorities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Department of Revenue, grants