* Simbar M¹ (PhD, MHPEd), Nahidi F¹ (MSc), Ramezani Tehrani F² (MD), Ramezankhani A³ (PhD)

  ¹ Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

  ² Endocrinology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

  ³ Department of Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

  Received 28 May 2009, Accepted 27 Jul 2009

  Abstract

Introduction: World Health Organization emphasizes on promotion of male participation in perinatal care to decrease maternal mortality and improve maternal health this is possible through education. This study aimed to assess the educational needs of fathers for their participation in perinatal care.

Methods: This was a qualitative research, using focus group discussions that were performed in eight groups of men and women in the hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. The tool of the study was a semi-structured questionnaire with 7 guided questions. Participants were interviewed by a facilitator and a note-taker. All the procedure of discussion was written, tape-recorded and analysed.

Results: The majority of men and women mentioned that male participation is their emotional support of women and their involvement in household responsibilities. Changes in life style and Nuclear-family type of current decades were mentioned as the reasons for the importance of participation. The majority of them mentioned long work hours of men besides cultural believes as the main barriers. The majority of the participants emphasized on importance of education about emotional support, physiological changes and warning signs and symptoms during pregnancy. They also mentioned the role of mass media for promotion of male participation. 

Conclusion: Fathers’ education is necessary considering appropriate content, place, time and duration according to the couples’ needs. Male involvement in perinatal care should be considered in premarital and perinatal classes.

Key words: Paternity, Perinatal Care, Health Education, Patient Education as Topic, Counseling.

Hakim Research Journal 2009 12(2): 19- 31