Work Demands and Perinatal Health Among Young Low Income Black Fathers
1
Department of Health Management and Policy, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, United States
2
Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, United States
3
Department of Neuroscience, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas, San Antonio, United States
4
Dornsife School of Public Health, Biostatistics Scientific Collaboration Center (BSC) & Office of Culture, Community & Opportunity (CCO), Drexel University, Philadelphia, United States
5
Overbrook Environmental Educational Center, Philadelphia, United States
6
St. Christopher's Hospital for Children Center for the Urban Child, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, United States
7
College for Health, Community and Policy, University of Texas, San Antonio, United States
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Occupational demands, such as physical exertion, exposure to toxic chemicals, cognitive overload, can compromise men's reproductive and overall health. Fatherhood has been identified as a determinant of men’s wellbeing and workplace health. Although Black men are overrepresented in low-wage jobs that are physically and emotionally demanding, and Black fathers have poorer physical and mental health than other racial/ethnic groups, little is known about how fatherhood, low-wage status and occupational demands interact to impact their perinatal health. The objective of this study was to examine how the transition to fatherhood influences occupational demands, workplace safety behaviors, and perinatal health among first-time Black fathers.
METHODS:
We used a transformative phenomenological qualitative design with narrative analysis to address our study objectives. First-time fathers (18-29 years, Black, low-income, and with a pregnant partner or child under two years) and 22 stakeholders (fatherhood organization leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers) participated in the study. The study was conducted in two phases. In Phase 1, one-on-one interviews were conducted with fathers (n=11) and stakeholders (n=14). All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed.
RESULTS:
Three key themes emerged. Becoming a father was a deeply meaningful and transformative experience that catalyzed participants’ redefinition of their masculinity through protecting and providing (for their child and partner). This transition, consequently, heightened the demand for work and induced the uptake of additional low-wage jobs or extended work hours that negatively affected participants’ perinatal sleep, mental health, and physical well-being.
CONCLUSIONS:
Men who become fathers while employed in low-wage jobs increased their workload in response to their new fatherhood role, independent of any associated health risks. This study highlights the urgent need for equitable research and policy efforts that recognize the heterogeneity in men's occupational opportunities and demands across race and class lines.
Occupational demands, such as physical exertion, exposure to toxic chemicals, cognitive overload, can compromise men's reproductive and overall health. Fatherhood has been identified as a determinant of men’s wellbeing and workplace health. Although Black men are overrepresented in low-wage jobs that are physically and emotionally demanding, and Black fathers have poorer physical and mental health than other racial/ethnic groups, little is known about how fatherhood, low-wage status and occupational demands interact to impact their perinatal health. The objective of this study was to examine how the transition to fatherhood influences occupational demands, workplace safety behaviors, and perinatal health among first-time Black fathers.
METHODS:
We used a transformative phenomenological qualitative design with narrative analysis to address our study objectives. First-time fathers (18-29 years, Black, low-income, and with a pregnant partner or child under two years) and 22 stakeholders (fatherhood organization leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers) participated in the study. The study was conducted in two phases. In Phase 1, one-on-one interviews were conducted with fathers (n=11) and stakeholders (n=14). All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed.
RESULTS:
Three key themes emerged. Becoming a father was a deeply meaningful and transformative experience that catalyzed participants’ redefinition of their masculinity through protecting and providing (for their child and partner). This transition, consequently, heightened the demand for work and induced the uptake of additional low-wage jobs or extended work hours that negatively affected participants’ perinatal sleep, mental health, and physical well-being.
CONCLUSIONS:
Men who become fathers while employed in low-wage jobs increased their workload in response to their new fatherhood role, independent of any associated health risks. This study highlights the urgent need for equitable research and policy efforts that recognize the heterogeneity in men's occupational opportunities and demands across race and class lines.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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