Exploring the Impact of Black Fathers’ Involvement on Black Maternal Health: A Scoping Review

ObjectiveBlack American women face significant maternal morbidity and mortality disparities compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Black fathers' involvement may be an intervention point for improving Black maternal health inequities. This scoping review examines (1) the extent of research documenting the impact of Black fathers' involvement on Black maternal health and (2) how the involvement of Black fathers is associated with Black mothers' health outcomes.Data SourcesWe utilized PRISMA guidelines to systematically explore peer-reviewed studies on Black fathers' involvement and Black maternal health using PubMed, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, and Embase.Inclusion and Exclusion CriteriaInclusion criteria were: U.S.-based sample, published between 2014-2024, quantitative or qualitative study, examines maternal health outcomes in Black mothers, considers Black fathers' involvement in the prenatal, birthing, or postpartum care of Black mothers, and examines the impact of fathers on maternal health outcomes.ExtractionWe reviewed 601 entries and 6 articles met inclusion criteria.SynthesisWe identified how Black fathers' involvement is measured and is related to Black maternal health outcomes.ResultsPaternal involvement positively influences Black maternal health outcomes of depression, anxiety, and poor self-reported health. However, research explicitly addressing Black fathers' involvement was limited.ConclusionIncreased paternal involvement can improve Black maternal health outcomes, but further research and interventions should be conducted to increase the evidence base.