problems of first time expectant and recent fathers

ABSTRACT

Two hundred and fifty two first time expectant and recent fathers were interviewed to assess the prevalence of stress related disorder associated with the pregnancy of their wives. Eighty percent fathers manifested stress related behaviours. Out of them 93% were worried about increased financial responsibility, 80% about higher expectation of wife, 72% about the change in wife's physique, 64% about wife's attention being diverted to child 48% about theor out-door activities being curtailed and 40% thought that being a father would mean that they no longer belonged to younger generation. Based on these findings, it is suggested that expected fathers should be provided with counselling services to solve their problems