585 - Paternity leave practices and associations with infant outcomes in a state-based representative sample of fathers, Georgia, 2018-2019.

Poster Number: 585
Publication Number: 585.241

Katherine Bean, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Clarissa D. Simon, Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, United States; Anne Bendelow, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; J Michael Bryan, Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States; Craig Garfield, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Evanston, IL, United States

Background: While the benefits of maternity leave for mothers and infants are clear (e.g. improved breastfeeding, healthcare utilization, vaccinations), research into the association between paternity leave and father and infant outcomes is minimal. 

Objective: To examine associations between paternity leave utilization and paternal sociodemographic factors and infant outcomes using a state-based representative sample of new fathers in Georgia.

Design/Methods: Fathers were eligible to participate if they were listed as the second parent on the infant’s birth certificate and the infant’s mother was randomly sampled for the 2018-2019 Georgia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). Fathers were surveyed 3-6 months following an infant’s birth via mail, online, and telephone surveys in English or Spanish. Chi-squared testing and weighted percentages were used to assess paternal leave, breastfeeding practices, and safe sleep practices (e.g. on back, in crib). Survey data were weighted for sampling design, noncoverage, and nonresponse to produce estimates representative of the eligible population of fathers in Georgia.

Results: Of 231 respondent fathers, 120 (53%) had any paid leave, 51 (20%) had only unpaid leave, and 60 (27%) had no leave; 172 (67%) were married, 96 (41%) obtained a high school diploma or GED, 30 (15%) reported income < = the Federal Poverty level (FPL), and 163 (69%) had health insurance. Paternity leave was reported by 171 (73%) of fathers, of whom 45 (26%) took < 1 week, 112 (66%) took 1 week to 1 month, and 16 (8%) took >1 month. Fathers with a higher reported income or more than a high school education reported a higher prevalence of paid leave (p < 0.05), compared with those with lower incomes or less education. Fathers reporting longer leave ( >1wk) reported a higher prevalence of breastfeeding initiation, breastfeeding duration, and use of safe sleep surfaces (e.g. placed in crib, not placed on couch) compared with fathers reporting shorter duration ( < 1wk) of leave (p < 0.05). Conclusion(s): Fathers reporting longer paternity leave ( >1 week) had a higher prevalence of improved infant outcomes (e.g. breastfeeding, safe sleep practices), compared with those reporting shorter leave duration ( < 1 week). Paternity leave length and type varied by sociodemographic factors, including income and education. These findings emphasize the need to further understand the paternity leave practices and their impact on infant and family wellbeing.