Investigating the Relationship Between Fatherhood and Provider Weight-Related Practices and Counseling in Clinical Settings

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess whether weight-related practices and counseling between men and their medical providers are associated with the patient's fatherhood status. MethodsUsing the 2015–2017 National Survey of Family Growth, logistic regression models were constructed to examine the odds of men being weighed, told a weight status, or referred for nutrition/exercise counseling during a medical visit in the previous year. ResultsThe sample included 2,562 men and 1,272 fathers. Overall, 90%, 76%, and 49% of fathers were weighed by a provider, told their weight status, and referred for nutrition/exercise counseling, respectively. There were no associations between fatherhood status and being weighed or provider weight status communication. Fathers were more likely to be referred for nutrition/exercise counseling compared with those without children during a medical (adjusted odds ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.003–2.583) or routine visit (adjusted odds ratio, 1.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–3.16). Conclusions and ImplicationsThe increased likelihood of nutrition or exercise counseling referrals among fathers presents an opportunity to address obesity within families.