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Journal article
A Mixed-Methods Examination of Fertility Desires and Reproductive Planning Among Low-Income Black Fathers
Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities
16 Oct 2025
PMID: 41099933
Featured in Collection : Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
Abstract
Background
Reproductive life planning (RLP) supports the achievement of fertility goals for both men and women, yet most studies focus on women. Black fathers living with low income, a vulnerable population at risk for multiple unplanned pregnancies and negatively stereotyped as reproductively irresponsible, are rarely asked about their RLP. This study aimed to examine the relationship between Black fathers’ fertility desires and pregnancy prevention strategies and explore their contextual nuance.
Methods
A concurrent mixed-methods approach was conducted using quantitative data (n = 36) and qualitative data (n = 17) among Black fathers living with low income and participating in a Midwestern urban community–based fatherhood program. Differences between groups were compared using Fisher’s exact test, and thematic analyses examined the relationship between drivers of participants’ fertility desires and reproductive planning practices.
Results
Participants had a median age of 33 years. Findings indicated that participants’ fertility desires were not associated with pregnancy prevention (p = 0.251). Most interview participants desired pregnancies and recognized the need for a reproductive life plan. Health before pregnancy and financial stability were important determinants of fertility planning, and using pregnancy contraception was dependent, among other factors, on navigating trust with a partner. Overall, participants thought that using an adult mindset, in which they considered the consequences of unprotected sex, was key to family planning.
Conclusion
Findings highlight a breadth of factors influencing Black fathers’ RLP and underscore the need for robust, tailored services. Community-based organizations already working with Black fathers can be leveraged to increase reproductive health awareness and facilitate reproductive life planning.
Metrics
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Details
- Title
- A Mixed-Methods Examination of Fertility Desires and Reproductive Planning Among Low-Income Black Fathers
- Creators
- Adaobi G Anakwe (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Health Management and PolicyWilson Majee - Drexel UniversityAbigail Olajire - University of MissouriRhonda BeLue - The University of Texas at San Antonio
- Publication Details
- Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 16
- Grant note
- Society for Family Planning Research Grant: SFPRF14-ES2
This study was funded through the Society for Family Planning Research Grant (Grant Number: SFPRF14-ES2).
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Health Management and Policy
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001594896200001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105018843472
- Other Identifier
- 991022122863904721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health