A Mixed Methods Study of Father Engagement in a Group-Based Parenting Intervention Implemented in a Head Start Setting

Background and Purpose: The proportion of males in a caregiving role in the United States is increasing, particularly for low-income fathers caring for young children. There is also a growing body of research that has identified a unique role of father-figures in promoting healthy child development. However, parent support programs have not traditionally focused on fathers and their participation in parenting services has been limited. Given the lack of research in this area, we know very little about how to engage fathers and how existing interventions should be tailored to male populations. To address this gap, the aim of this study was to identify factors associated with father involvement in the Circle of Parents intervention.

Methods: Data was collected from an ongoing randomized-controlled trial of Circle of Parents delivered to fathers with a child enrolled in a Head Start/Early Head Start program in a semi-rural area. Circle of Parents is a group-based, mutual aid, peer support model. Weekly meetings were held at a Head Start center and were co-led by a trained facilitator and a parent leader. Analyses focused on fathers in the treatment condition (n=55) using baseline survey data and midpoint qualitative interviews. Bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with attendance of at least one group meeting. Semi-structured qualitative interviews focused on fathers’ perceived acceptability of the program and barriers and facilitators of engagement.

Results: Fathers in this study were 86% African-American and 71% had an annual income below $20,000. Similar to prior research, father engagement was low despite multiple strategies to reduce barriers to participation and incentivize engagement. Of the fathers randomly assigned to the treatment condition, 20 (36%) attended at least one group meeting in the first 6 months. Quantitative analyses found few relationships between baseline characteristics and engagement. Fathers of children younger than 1 years old and fathers not living with the biological mother were more likely to attend at least one group. Findings from qualitative interviews indicated a positive opinion of the program and strong desire to participate. Among fathers who attended at least one group, the perceived benefits to themselves and their family were overwhelmingly positive. Perceived stigma was very low, fathers even suggested that program participation had positive social benefits. Barriers to participation were entirely physical/logistical, and not ideological. Work schedules and transportation were commonly cited as reasons for not attending group meetings.

Conclusions and Implications: Although fathers may have strong interest and are able to identify benefits of participating in a fathers-only parenting support group, practical barriers seem to greatly limit their engagement in this program. More flexible options are needed to adequately engage fathers. The positive perceptions of participation may be related to delivery in a Head Start setting, and the focus on enhancing child development and learning. Although this may be a viable venue for fatherhood programs, innovative strategies need to be developed and tested to fully engage fathers.