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

Abstract #61959

Sara M. Buckelew, MD, MPH, Herb Pierrie, RN, PHN, and Anand Chabra, MD, MPH. Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, San Mateo County Health Services, c/o Dr. Anand Chabra, 225 37th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403, (510)459-1030, sarabuckelew@hotmail.com

Background: Significant research exists focusing on the needs of mothers and children but little research focuses on fathers. The Fatherhood Collaborative of San Mateo County conducted a countywide needs assessment to determine the personal needs of fathers and the community resources that would help them become better fathers. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative data about fathers and father-related issues were collected through a survey, focus groups and stakeholder interviews. Findings: Eighty-five percent of the 240 fathers surveyed had a child under age five. Fathers prioritized financial assistance (35%), housing (20%), healthcare (20%), food (19%), and employment (18%), as current individual needs. Eight percent of dads with a child under age five reported lacking health insurance. Only 5% of the dads of young children needed health care, while 7% of all dads indicated this need. Two percent of dads indicated their children were uninsured and 10% needed health care. Fifty percent of fathers believed their community was “good” to “excellent” at supporting fathers in raising children. Prioritized county services sought included father-child activities (47%), parks/recreational activities (37%), better schools (35%), parenting classes (33%) and support groups for fathers (25%). Focus group participants identified additional needs, including childcare, family counseling and transportation. Conclusions: There is a paucity of data around fatherhood. This assessment is one community’s attempt to identify the needs of fathers of young children and will be used by agencies and organizations to expand services for fathers.

Learning Objectives:

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant in this session will be able to:
• Understand the importance of collecting data about fathers and father-related issues.
• Discuss why the needs of fathers in a community may differ from those of mothers.
• Describe the challenges of conducting a community needs assessment focused on fathers and fatherhood-related issues.

Keywords: Family Involvement, Needs Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.