Mental health challenges during the transition to fatherhood among first-time fathers in Virac, Catanduanes / Janina Cate T. Tan

Masters Theses (MAN) - Nursing. Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, 2024.

Includes bibliographic references.

Transition to fatherhood in men's lives is a developmental milestone, a new phase in life with unfamiliar tasks and responsibilities. This quantitative study identified the mental health challenges during the transition to fatherhood among first-time fathers in Virac, Catanduanes. Using a descriptive correlational design, data were collected from 60 first-time fathers through a questionnaire analyzed using percentage techniques, weighted mean, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, and the Chi-square test of independence. Results reveal that the majority of respondents were single, aged 22-24, high school graduates, laborers, with a family income below Php 10,000, and residing in rural areas. They agree on experiencing psychological and economic challenges, while they moderately agree that they experience social and cultural challenges. However, first-time fathers do not report experiencing spiritual challenges.

Results further revealed that first-time fathers moderately agree that they utilize coping strategies in managing mental health challenges during their transition to fatherhood. The study found a significant relationship between the father's residence and the social, economic, and spiritual challenges experienced. Additionally, occupation significantly influenced the cultural challenges faced. However, age, civil status, education, and income did not significantly affect the mental health challenges. Coping strategies employed by first-time fathers showed no significant correlation with the psychological, social, cultural, economic, and spiritual challenges. Interventions were proposed to promote positive mental health among first-time fathers in Virac, Catanduanes during this transition to fatherhood.