Paternal Engagement in Infant and Young Child Feeding
A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Its Extent and Associated Factors
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15536388 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Molalign Aligaz Adisu (0009-0003-1685-983X, Woldia University, corresponding author), Bogale Molla (Woldia University), Abraham Dessie Gessesse (0009-0002-8356-4460, Woldia University), Dagnew Tigabu (0009-0002-1821-6865, Woldia University), Tilahun Wodaynew (0000-0001-9512-2382, Woldia University), Akhtar Ali (0009-0009-3415-3586, Woldia University), Abubeker Seid Ali (Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences Woldia University Woldia Amhara Ethiopia), Tesfaye Engdaw Habtie (0009-0006-7943-3280, Woldia University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | e70174-e70174 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Maternal and Child Nutrition (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1740-8695 • E-ISSN: 1740-8709 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/mcn.70174 |
| PMID | 41739626 |
| OpenAlex | W7131675519 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 33 |
Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) is a critical intervention during the first 1000 days of life, yet in Ethiopia, caregiving roles remain heavily gendered, often excluding fathers. This systematic review and meta-analysis quantified the extent of paternal engagement in IYCF across Ethiopia and identified key associated factors. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of major databases and gray literatures identified 11 cross-sectional studies involving 6030 fathers. Using a random-effects model, the pooled prevalence of paternal engagement was 41% (95% CI: 25%-57%). Significant predictors of increased engagement included having an education above secondary level (AOR 4.27), smaller family size (AOR 4.03), first-born child (AOR 3.36), and positive perceptions toward IYCF (AOR 2.68). Other factors included positive cultural beliefs (AOR 2.35), good IYCF knowledge (AOR 2.21), and the child being male (AOR 2.09). This study calls for shifting Ethiopia's nutrition strategies from mother-centric to family-centric models by implementing father-inclusive, culturally sensitive programs. Training health extension workers to challenge gender norms through counseling and community dialog will address socio-cultural barriers, promote shared caregiving, and improve child feeding outcomes
Child development · Child health · Culturally appropriate · Dialog box · Intervention (counseling · Perception · Breastfeeding Practices and Influences · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Global Maternal and Child Health
Revisiting maternal and child undernutrition in low-income and middle-income countries
Breastfeeding in the 21st century
Health effects of dietary risks in 195 countries, 1990–2017
Assessing male involvement in childcare and associated factors among fathers of below two in Toke Kutaye district, Central Ethiopia, 2024
Paternal Involvement in and Sociodemographic Correlates of Infant and Young Child Feeding in a District in Coastal South India
Fathers' Involvement in Child Feeding Practice and Its Associated Factors Among Fathers Having Children Aged 6–24 Months in Ambo Town, Ethiopia, 2024
Relationships between paternal attitudes, paternal involvement, and infant‐feeding outcomes
Where is the father? Challenges and solutions to the inclusion of fathers in child feeding and nutrition research
Fathers’ level of involvement in childcare activities and its association with the diet quality of children in Northern Ghana
Male involvement and maternal health outcomes
Selective Versus Generalized Gender Bias in Childhood Health and Nutrition
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |