Survey: A large number of new dads in the U.S. don't live a healthy enough lifestyle

Beijing, January 23 (Xinhua) -- The first national survey of new fathers in the United States showed that a large number of new fathers did not have a healthy lifestyle, and about 70% of them were overweight.

Chicago Ann and Robert M. H. Lurie Children's Hospital researchers, in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health, have launched a "Newbie Dad Edition" based on the annual risk assessment monitoring tool implemented by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Public Health for groups of new mothers over the past 35 years, conducting a pilot national survey of U.S. men's health habits and experiences when they entered the role of father.

A woman wearing a mask pushes a stroller past the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., on January 7, 2021. (Photo by Xinhua news agency reporter Liu Jie)

According to a study published in the latest issue of the American journal Science Public Library General, the survey shows that nearly one in five new fathers in the United States smokes, 13% drink heavily, and 10% develop depressive symptoms after the birth of their children.

The researchers argue that while U.S. legislation requires tracking and reporting data on maternal health behavior before and after childbirth in a view to improving the living conditions of pregnant women and newborns through public health efforts, the role of fathers has long been overlooked, and new fathers also play an important role in the health and well-being of children and families.

Study leader Craig Garfield, a professor of pediatrics, said the study's data, especially when combined with data from mothers, provides a roadmap for what aspects of father-rearing need to be focused."

Previous studies have linked increased paternity participation to improved maternal and child health, such as longer breastfeeding, a lower maternal risk of depression, earlier initiation of antenatal care, increased utilization of postnatal care services, and higher levels of physical, psychological, and cognitive development of children. Studies have also shown that men often change their habits in anticipation of new life.

"Fatherhood provides men with opportunities to improve their own health, and healthy fathers are more likely to be involved in parenting, helping their mothers with their children and having healthier children," Garfield said. ”

According to him, following Georgia, similar lifestyle surveys of new dads have been launched in Massachusetts, Ohio and Michigan. Gathering relevant information helps to "understand how the transition to paternity affects men, thus taking an important first step towards better supporting families and children". (Qiao Ying)