The experience of first-time Hong Kong Chinese fatherhood: A qualitative exploratory study

The father's involvement in childrearing can positively influence health outcomes not only for the man himself but also for his partner and their children. However, the experience of first-time fatherhood is limited in Chinese communities. The aim of this study is to explore men's experience of first-time fatherhood and coping in Hong Kong. An exploratory qualitative design was used. A purposive sample of 44 first-time Chinese fathers who had participated in a couple-based cognitive-behavioral intervention for postnatal depression were recruited for telephone interviews at 1-3 months postpartum. Data were collected by a semistructured interview guide and analyzed using thematic analysis. The process involved in men's transition to first-time fatherhood reveals four major themes: changes in daily life, new paternal roles and responsibilities, availability of resources to enhance adaptation, and coping strategies. The findings have implications for health care professionals and policy-makers in the provision of comprehensive perinatal care and family-friendly policies to aid men's transition to first-time fatherhood in Chinese communities.