Health behaviour of fathers of young families expecting their first baby.

Abstract

Health behaviour in fathers of young families expecting their first baby was studied using randomized cluster sampling and confidential questionnaires given to 1414 fathers, of whom 1,279 responded to the questionnaire. The drop-out rate was 9.5%. Participants and drop-outs had matching occupations. Basic educational level, age, occupation and location of home were used as background variables. Health behaviour was studied by means of many questions on habits associated with health, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, physical exercise, dietary habits, and social relations and use of cultural services connected with health. The results showed that the health behaviour of the fathers was related to their childhood family background, level of education and occupation. Health education literature and counselling best reached fathers with a high level of education and those with professional occupations. The most negative health behaviour patterns were seen in fathers working in manufacturing industry or primary production and in the youngest fathers. Maternity health care clinics and Well-baby clinics establish a longstanding relation with young families, and health care staffs have a good opportunity to support the future fathers' health behaviour in a positive direction.