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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Celeste A. Lemay, RN, BSN¹, Dianne S. Elfenbein, MD², Suzanne Cashman, ScD¹, and Marianne Felice, MD². (1) Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, 508-334-7519, calrn@charter.net, (2) Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachsetts, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655

Although much is known regarding the experiences of adolescent mothers and their babies, few studies have examined the experiences of adolescent fathers. This study was designed to identify the beliefs and attitudes that young fathers have regarding their role as a father. Young and/or expectant fathers (N=26) were interviewed individually. Open-ended questions collected data including: characteristics and examples of good fathers; goals for self and child; likes and dislikes regarding fatherhood; and intention to raise the child as their father raised them. Mean age at interview was 19.6 (SD 3.2); at infant's birth, 18.2 (SD 2.4). Fifty-eight percent were Hispanic, 27% White. Themes that immerged included: providing emotional, financial, and educational support; being available and present day to day as well as for important events and; self-improvement, including completing education and becoming a role model. Adolescent fathers expressed hopes and dreams for their child's future that included financial, emotional, and educational success as well as a desire that their child “turns out better than me.” Eighty-one percent of young and/or expectant fathers reported they would not raise their child as their own father had raised them, citing physical and/or emotional abuse and abandonment. Additionally, 46% of young fathers, regardless of age or ethnicity, believed that being employed would help them be better fathers. Preliminary results affirm that young fathers are interested in being good fathers and that they express attitudes and beliefs supporting this goal. Strategies to reach young fathers should include building upon, encouraging, and developing these positive attributes.

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