Fathers' Involvement in Child Feeding Practice and Its Associated Factors Among Fathers Having Children Aged 6–24 Months in Ambo Town, Ethiopia, 2024: A Mixed Method Design

Abstract

Father involvement in child feeding refers to the support fathers provide such as financial, social and physical that influences child feeding habits. While previous research has focused predominantly on mothers, limited attention has been given to fathers' roles in this context. A community-based cross-sectional study employing a concurrent mixed-methods approach was conducted from 1 January to 1 March 2024. A two-stage sampling technique was used to recruit 634 fathers with children aged 6-24 months. Quantitative data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured guide. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 27, and bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with father involvement in child feeding. Qualitative data were thematically analysed and triangulated with the quantitative findings. Overall, 54.1% of fathers were involved in child feeding practices (95% CI: 50.04%, 58.2%). Significant predictors of involvement included: fathers with diploma-level education and above (AOR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.19, 9.83); employment in government or private/nongovernment sectors (AOR = 3.75, 95% CI: 1.10, 12.76; AOR = 3.65, 95% CI: 1.01, 13.19, respectively); spouses with similar employment status (AOR = 3.48 and 2.61, respectively); positive attitudes (AOR = 3.87, 95% CI: 2.23, 6.73); good knowledge (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.30, 3.75); and positive perceptions of cultural norms (AOR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.36, 3.94). Qualitative findings reinforced that negative attitudes, unfavourable cultural norms and occupational constraints hinder father involvement. Only about half of fathers were involved in their child's feeding. Key influencing factors included education, employment status, attitudes, knowledge and cultural perceptions. To improve paternal involvement, targeted interventions should be undertaken by stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health, community leaders and family welfare organizations, focusing on behavioural change communication and supportive workplace policies.