iHV Fellow, Sharin Baldwin, publishes Systematic Review on First Time Fathers’ Mental Health and Wellbeing and accompanying editorial on the importance of men’s mental health to coincide with International Men’s Day (19 November) – a worldwide celebration of the positive value that men bring to the world, their families and communities.
They both are open access publications.
Systematic Review on First Time Fathers’ Mental Health and Wellbeing
The findings from the systematic review on first time fathers’ mental health and wellbeing revealed that fathers wanted:
- More guidance and support to prepare them for parenthood, specifically to better prepare them for subsequent relationship changes with their partner
- Access to tailored information and to be equally included in consultations and contacts with relevant health professionals.
The synthesis of the international evidence has important implications for healthcare professionals working with families in the early years, with particular reference to the need to consider the mental health and wellbeing of mothers and fathers. The review also highlighted that healthcare professionals need a greater understanding of the dilemmas and challenges that new fathers face to better support their mental health and wellbeing during this crucial transitional period.
Evidence from our systematic review adds further support for an urgent review of how we plan, provide and resource maternity and early years services, in order to recognise the impact that pregnancy and birth may have on a father’s mental health, as well as the essential role fathers play in supporting their partner and infant. If the aim of health research is to improve outcomes through the implementation of evidence and use of evidence-based practices, we should ask ourselves why barriers persist to address and recognise paternal mental health needs. Now is the time to use this evidence to change practice towards supporting both parents and provide more equitable care and use of resources.
Editorial piece on the importance of men’s mental health
Further information
For further information on Sharin’s research, please see her study website.
Sharin Baldwin RN, RM, RHV, QN, FiHV, HV Research Champion, BSc (Hons), PG Dip, MSc
NIHR Clinical Doctoral Fellow, King’s College London
Clinical Academic for Community Nursing, London North West University Healthcare Trust