Dissertation
A qualitative study leading to the development of an intervention to promote ongoing paternal participation in the women, infants, and children's nutrition program
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Dec 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000344
Abstract
Background: Despite marked improvements in maternal and child health, preterm and low birthweight births among WIC-recipients continue to exceed United States averages. Research has shown that fathers may impact maternal health behaviors which may contribute to poor birth outcomes including the initiation of prenatal care, nutrition, smoking, stress, drug, and alcohol use. At the national level, WIC has no specific protocols for the inclusion of men although some states have made strides in incorporating men. However, the question of what a national intervention to include men in WIC remains. Methods: This qualitative study used focus groups discussions (FGD) conducted with four distinct populations (WIC staff, WIC-recipients, fathers, and community stakeholders) representing the primary levels of the Social Ecological Model. The FGDs used a semi-structured approach built around five primary research questions. Transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively and deductively via thematic analysis. Results: Nine focus groups were conducted with groups ranging from two to nine participants. Inductive themes included the overarching theme of paternal involvement as a societal concern not exclusive to WIC along with the primary themes of relationship status between mother and father, maternal gatekeeping and the mother's use of permissions, and the conflicting paternal roles of provider versus nurturer. Secondary themes were derived both inductively and deductively, all in support of the primary themes. Deductively derived themes were aligned with the five primary research questions. All themes paralleled the Social Ecological Model backbone of the research. Discussion: While the focus of this work was to design an intervention targeting WIC, any intervention derived will need to take a societal approach to truly be successful. This would include specific provisions addressing the relationships status between mother and father, as well as the role of maternal gatekeeping and its impact on the permissions granted by the mother. In addition, any intervention should parallel the Social Ecological Model. Future research would test individually derived intervention components for development of a multi-component approach.
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Details
- Title
- A qualitative study leading to the development of an intervention to promote ongoing paternal participation in the women, infants, and children's nutrition program
- Creators
- Dana Dychtwald
- Contributors
- Brandy-Joe Milliron (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xi, 217 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Nutrition Sciences; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014855546604721