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

Abstract #70230

Deborah Brome, PhD¹, Sergut Wolde-Yohannes, MPH, EdM², Stan McLaren³, Todd Payton, MA³, and Eugene Jones³. (1) Global Evaluation and Applied Research Solutions, 3804 Landgras Cove, Decatur, GA 30034, 617-696-3730, DeborahBrome@attbi.com, (2) Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center, 801B Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118, (3) Father Friendly Initiative, 774 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118

Research has demonstrated the importance of supportive relationships and of reduced-stress environments on pregnancy and birth outcomes. This literature has identified positive spousal and partner relationships and social support networks as two areas that significantly influence women's experience of environmental stress during their pregnancies.

This presentation's aim is to contribute to the understanding about how to promote supportive spousal and partner relationships among African-American men by examining the relationship between their perception of their fathers and their attitudes towards fathering and their relationships with their children's mother. Analysis of data gathered from Father Friendly Initiative's intake forms that examine African American men's perceptions of their father, their attitudes toward fatherhood, and their relationship with their children's mother will be presented. This data will provide a more in-depth understanding of the content and types of interventions that are needed for fathers in supporting mothers during pregnancy.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of presentation, participants will be able to:
• have an understanding of how relationship with father when growing up affects fatherhood in later years
• describe baseline characteristics of non-custodial fathers that predict attitudes of fatherhood

Keywords: Family Involvement, Community Programs

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