Faculty Collaboration Database

African American Fathers' Occupational Participation: "Keeping the Mothers in a Positive Vibe". OTJR (Thorofare N J) 2017 Oct;37(4):237-244

Date

07/16/2017

Pubmed ID

28709392

DOI

10.1177/1539449217714236

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85033595409 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   2 Citations

Abstract

Infant mortality is a major public health issue in the United States that disproportionally affects African Americans. Evidence suggests reducing stress on African American women and engaging African American fathers may improve health and social outcomes for families. This study sought to understand the experiences of African American fathers through a positivistic lens and to inform future interventions that support father engagement. A descriptive, qualitative study using the Person, Environment, Occupation-Performance (PEO-P) model as a framework for analysis was conducted involving 45 fathers participating in four focus groups and one member-checking group. An initial content analysis was followed by constant comparative methods to identify categories related to the PEO-P model. Transcripts revealed a range of factors that enable or inhibit fathers' occupational performance and engagement including environmental barriers such as societal expectations and perceptions. Occupational therapy practitioners may utilize population health approaches to support African American fathers' occupational engagement.

Author List

Pizur-Barnekow K, Pate D, Lazar K, Paul N, Pritchard K, Morris G

Author

Kris Barnekow PhD Associate Professor in the Occupational Science and Technology department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Attitude
Father-Child Relations
Fathers
Focus Groups
Humans
Infant
Infant Mortality
Male
Mothers
Occupational Therapy
Parenting
Qualitative Research