A Study on First Time Fathers After the Birth of Their Child: Paternal Involvement

Background: The transition to fatherhood represents a critical period for first-time fathers, influencing their parenting self-efficacy (PSE), social support, postnatal depression (PND), and overall satisfaction in parenting and marital relationships. Cultural perspectives may shape these experiences, particularly in Malaysian contexts. This study aimed to examine the levels of PSE, social support, PND, parenting satisfaction, marital satisfaction, relationship with their fathers, and paternal involvement among first-time fathers at discharge from the hospital and one month postpartum, while exploring correlations among these variables across different socio-demographic subgroups. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 32 first-time fathers in Kuantan, Pahang. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation to identify relationships among variables. Results: Results indicated high levels of PSE among fathers, which increased over time, while social support also improved. PND levels were low, and paternal involvement was moderate, with most fathers sharing caregiving tasks with their partners. Notably, significant differences were observed in parenting efficacy based on age and attendance at antenatal classes, and paternal involvement was influenced by educational level. The positive correlation between PSE and paternal involvement underscores the importance of enhancing fathers’ confidence and engagement in parenting. The study highlights the role of socio-demographic factors in shaping paternal experiences and outcomes, consistent with findings in similar cultural contexts. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the significance of enhancing PSE and support systems for first-time fathers, underscoring the need for culturally relevant interventions that foster active paternal involvement and mitigate potential postnatal challenges. Future research should explore larger, diverse samples to strengthen the generalizability of these findings.