New Data Initiative Focuses on Fathers’ Health, impacting Infant Care
A groundbreaking public health initiative, PRAMS for Dads (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for Dads), is providing critical insights into the experiences and needs of new fathers. Developed in collaboration with Dr. Jeffrey garfield of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the program utilizes a dedicated survey to gather data previously unavailable, focusing specifically on paternal involvement and well-being. launched initially in Georgia in 2022, PRAMS for Dads is currently expanding to include Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Ohio, with plans for further nationwide rollout dependent on funding and state participation.
Early findings from the PRAMS for Dads data are already demonstrating a strong correlation between paternal engagement and positive infant health outcomes. Research indicates that fathers considerably influence key decisions regarding infant feeding practices, including breastfeeding rates – with engaged fathers showing a 20% higher likelihood of supporting breastfeeding – and adherence to safe sleep guidelines, potentially reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). By identifying factors that impact fathers’ behaviors, such as access to parental leave (currently averaging just 11.7 weeks for fathers in the US,according to the Pew Research Center) and mental health support,public health policies can be tailored to better support families. The initiative aims to address disparities in paternal involvement, notably among fathers from marginalized communities, where access to resources and support systems may be limited. Ultimately, PRAMS for Dads is vital for recognizing the crucial role of fathers and building a comprehensive healthcare system centered on the entire family unit, acknowledging that a supported father contributes significantly to a child’s well-being.
