CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Background of the study

The father is the principal breadwinner and considered the head of the family.

In most Filipino household, the income of the father is the basis of the family’s

economic security.

According to Medina (2001) “the basic roles of the Filipino husband as

economic provider, general handyman around the house, symbolic household head

and representative of the family in the community”.

The father provides direction and leadership in the family. He is the one who

personally establishes outside networks and contacts for the benefit of the family. He

is also expected to link his children to all his networks and contacts whether the

purpose of their education, affiliation or employment. (De Belen 2008).

The father, the fort that keeps the family strong, the one who shows great

responsibility, a symbol of strength, and the one who shows unwavering wisdom to

his children. Father makes definite contributions to newborns development because

while the newborn is still in the womb of the mother, the father is there to support and

gives what care for both of them. The first contact between father and the newborn

baby is an important event of their relationship. The first contact of the father and the

newborn is in the first day of the newborns life. The father’s involvement and care for

the newborn is the foundation of their strong relationship throughout life. Early
1
physical adjustment and involvement to care in newborns are important for the future-

child-adjustment. The standard type of the Philippine society that place parents on a

huge parental is to sustain family life. Accepting this parental role and huge task is

expected from the father especially in financial sustainability, but now a day’s fathers

are expected also to have knowledge of the fathers care of the newborn.

The researchers were motivated to conduct this study since the father is the

one who is providing for the family needs, the researchers wants to know if a father

can/will take part in caring of their newborn. This will be beneficial because nurses

will be able to promote paternal bonding through health teachings pertaining to child

care for both parents.

Statement of the Problem

The studies generally aimed to determine the implementation of the paternal

involvement and paternal practice in taking care of the newborn in Brgy. San Roque.

Specifically it sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the profile of the respondents with regards to:

1.1 Age

1.2 Civil status

1.3 Educational attainment

1.4 Occupational

2. What are the paternal involvements in Brgy. San Roque?

2
Significance of the Study

The study is beneficial to the following:

Fathers may benefit from this because aspirants may learn that, not only the

maternal side may focus on child care and the paternal structure may be included in

the caring of the child. In our society today, women tend to achieve what men are able

to do. This study may show students that the paternal side is able to do what the

maternal side can do.

The Health Team in the baranggay may develop programs upon giving care to

the newborn. They will know the population that practices child care, and they may

enhance the knowledge that the fathers in the community have.

The community may benefit from this study, for in our economy today the

man and the woman of the family both have work to sustain economic stability in the

house. Upon knowing this, the community personnel’s may create programs relating

paternal-child care, and knowledge upon caring not only physically, but especially

emotionally, and socially. This study may also reduce risk for child abuse.

Scope and Limitation

This study was mainly concerned on paternal involvement and paternal practice

in care taking to newborn in Brgy. San Roque.

The respondents of the study involved 100 fathers who have newborn babies.

The study is focused to Brgy. San Roque, Quezon City. This was done so that the

3
study is manageable with the time frame of the research during the period of January

up to the month of March.

Theoretical framework

Kathryn E. Barnard’s Parent Child Interaction Model states that

individual characteristics of each member influence the parent–infant system and

adaptive behavior modifies those characteristics to meet the needs of the system.

In relation to this research, Barnard’s theory says that a parent clearly

behaviors of the parents affects the infant and its adaptive behaviors specifically when

it comes to meeting the needs of the infant. Paternal care affects the infants and

children not the same with the maternal care does but it was clearly stated by Barnard

that whatever the behavior of caring that the parent has the child’s behavior and

practices are really and strongly affected.

Conceptual Framework

Father participation in the life of a child is vital. Fathers are responsible for the

children for so many things like physical hygiene, feeding pattern, health care

practice, discipline and social activities. Their presence moreover, the life of a

child strikes a healthy balance of father and child relationship thus the life of the

children should be colored by the quality of experience he had in the how that will

promote wholesome personality to the children that is love, trust and confidence.

4
Paradigm
Hygiene
Paternal Newborn Father-child
Feeding Bond
Involvement
Safety precaution

Health Promotion

Bonding

Definition of terms

Bread Winner a person who works hard to sustain the needs of the family.

Commitment is the father’s willingness to invest in and take responsibility for

nurturing the relationship with his infant despite difficulties in parenting and other life
demands

Engrossment the father’s absorption, preoccupation and interest to the infant

Fatherhood the status of a man who is somebody’s father or fact that he is a father.

Involvement to engage as a participant; to influence or affect; to contain as a part

Newborn a baby from birth to four weeks

Parenthood the role or experience of being a parent or the way of life that being a
parent imposes.

5
Parenting the experiences, skills, qualities, and responsibilities; involved in being a
parent and teaching and in caring for a child.

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter deals with the presentation of related literature and related studies

bearing on this section.

Related Literature

According to Medina (2001), there have been very few studies which mention

the role of the father the actual care-giving of the child. It is probably because of the

secondary tertiary character of the father role in the family system that this topic has

been ignored in family life studies. Scholars have emphasized the importance of the

mother in nurturance and child care, but have tended to leave out role of the father

except as bread-winner.

As we look into the different cultures that we have today, we can see that the

fathers can provide the needs that may nurture the child. By being the model of the

family, especially in the Filipino setup, a “male image” is maintained as the

trademark of the strong family ties that we Filipinos have. Fathers are not just

considered as the bread winner of the family, because they can provide more than just

giving monetary value.

6
 Commitment to family-centered maternity care has fostered interest in

understanding the feeling and experience of the new father. Evidence suggests that

the father has a strong attraction to his newborn and that the feelings he experiences

are similar to the mother’s attachment. First-time fathers perceive the first 4-10 weeks

of parenthood in much the same way that the mothers do, that is, as a period

characterized by uncertainty, increased responsibility, disruption of sleep, and

inability to control time needed to care for the infant and reestablish the marital dyad.

The expectant father must establish a fatherhood role just as the woman develops a

motherhood role. Fathers who are most successful at this task generally like children,

are excited about the prospect of fatherhood, are eager to nurture a child, and have

confidence in their ability to be a parent. ( Ladewig, 2006)

New father have strong attractions to his newborn. Similar to the mother,

while the mother is getting ready for her motherhood role, the father is also getting

ready for his fatherhood role.

Fathers can be sensitive and competent in caring for infants just as mothers

can. Fathers parental competence is associated with family functioning, partner

relationship, emotional and informational support from partner, a sense of mastery,

relationship with own family, knowledge of infant development and having an “easy”

infant. Fathers continue to report that parenting information directed especially to

7
fathers is not readily available and not offered typically by health care providers as it

is for mothers. (Lowdermilk-Perry 2004)

The role of the father is similar to the performance of the mother in terms of

providing child care. Fathers are competent, in ways that they will serve as the bond

that will strengthen the relationship of the family. Due to the focus of healthcare to

the mothers of the family, references about paternal-child relationship is not as

abundant as it seems.

The father is the principal breadwinner and considered the head of the family.

In most Filipino household, the income of the father is the basis of the family’s

economic security. The father provides direction and leadership in the family. He is

the one who personally establishes outside networks and contacts for the benefit of

the family. He is also expected to link his children to all his networks and contacts

whether the purpose of their education, affiliation or employment. (De Belen 2008).

The father’s income is the basic source of the family’s economic security. In

decision making the mother shares some advices, but the final decision will come

from the father. In short, the authority inside the house comes from the, in the most

common setup.

8
 He needs to be guided towards a specific role interpretation, be recognized and

strengthened in his generative power, be helped to navigate between feminine and

masculine territories, without losing his identity. Mavis Kirkham (2003)

The father must be recognized as the main man, and he must understand how

the feelings of the feminine and masculine territories differ.

Mostly all of the studies today are as of the division of labor made by the

wives of the family. Studies show that the maternal side have the primary

responsibility for infant care, unknown to the many, paternal involvement varies

widely.

I define father love in terms of paternal acceptance and rejection as

constructed in parental acceptance-rejection theory (Rohner, 2001, in press).

Paternal acceptance includes such feelings and behaviors (or children’s

perception of such feelings and behaviors) as paternal nurturance, warmth, affection,

support, comfort and concern. Paternal rejection on the other hand, is defined as the

real or perceived absence or withdrawal of these feeling and behaviors. Rejection

includes such feelings as coldness, in difference and hostility toward the child. (Berk

2002)

9
 The child is considered as a blank sheet of paper. Parents as the older body

must mold their children, showing them the good side of life will promote a positive

outlook of life by the children. Communication with the child promotes an

independent characteristic of the child.

New fathers typically display intense interest in their new child (engrossment).

Their behaviors with their infant parallel with those of new mother. A man’s’

relationship with his own parents, previous experiences with children, and

relationship to their mother are important influences on how he will relate to his

infant. Fathers should be included when the nurse in giving instructions about infant

care and handling. The nurse should be tactful and supportive of a new father who is

trying to assume his new role. Responses of fathers vary widely to be fully involved

in the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy. Others prefer a management role,

helping the woman adhere to recommendations of her physician or nurse-midwife.

Cultural values influence the role of fathers because pregnancy and birth are viewed

exclusively as women’s work in some cultures. The father is often asked to provide

support to his partner while struggling with the issue if fatherhood himself. Too often,

he receives the message that his only jobs to support the pregnant woman rather than

being a parent who is also important and has needs. The nurse should explore the

father’s feelings and encourage him during prenatal appointments, childbirth

preparation classes, and labor and birth. He is trying to learn the role of father, just as

the woman is trying to learn the role of mother. Bonding and attachment are terms

often used interchangeably, although they differ slightly. Bonding refers to a strong
10
emotional tie that forms soon after birth between parents and newborn. Attachment is

an affectionate tie that occurs over time as infant and care givers interact. It is

important for nurses to promote these processes to help parents claim their infant as

their own. Moreover, Barnes and Rowe (2008) stated that attachment is the

development of the strong relationship between a mother or a caregiver and a baby,

which leads to emotional security in the child. Infant-caregiver relationship and

interaction, and theorized that the initial relationship is based on a set of innate signals

that call the caregiver to the infant’s side and that during the first year of life a true

affectionate bond develops.

Perry (2007) wrote that, adult behavior have a profound effect on child

development and behavior. Children are affected in a variety of ways by exposure to

such risk factors as mental illness, alcohol and/or drug abuse, and domestic violence.

In any given year, approximately 22% of the adult population has a diagnosis of some

form of mental health disorder, with rates of depression particularly high among

mothers of young children

Adult behavior affects children, and as we see it, every action the child sees in

the elderly weather good or bad, will always be good in the young minds of the child.

Children today mimic the actions of older people.

According to Olds (2004), almost half of the fathers of infants of adolescent

mothers are not teens themselves, but are 20 years of age or older. Of these men,

approximately one fifth are 6 years or older than the adolescent mother.
11
 According to Hockberry (2005) fathers also show specific attachment

behaviors to the newborn. This process of paternal engrossment, forming a sense of

absorption, preoccupation, and interest in the infant, includes:

1. Visual awareness of the newborn especially focusing on the beauty of the child

2. Tactile awareness, often expressed in a desire to hold the infant.

3. Awareness of distinct characteristics with emphasis on those features of the

infant that resembles the father.

4. Perception of the infant as perfect

5. Development of a strong feeling of attention on the infant.

6. Experiencing a feeling of extreme elation

7. Feeling a sense of deep self-esteem and satisfaction

These responses are greatest during the early contacts with the infant and are

intensified by the neonate’s normal reflex activity, especially the gasp reflex and visual

alertness. In addition to behavioral reactions, fathers also demonstrate physiologic

responses such as increased heart rate and blood pressure during interactions with their

newborn.

Newborn, these are the youngest and the most precious thing that a parent

must take care of. Neonates express their feelings through different responses during

their interaction with their caregivers.

Berns (2001) said that, parenting means implementing a series of decisions

about the socialization of your children--what you do to enable them to become

responsible, contributing members of society as well as what you do when they cry,
12
are aggressive, lie, or do not do well in school. Parents sometimes find these decisions

overwhelming. One of the reasons parenting can be confusing is that there is little

consensus in the United States today as to what children should be like when they

grow up or what you do to get them there. Another reason parenting is confusing is

because ti is bidirectional and dynamic. Thus, by influencing adults, children

influence their own development.

As this birth story reveals, for most contemporary fathers, experiencing the

birth of their children does not mean pacing the hospital hallway with a pocketful of

cigar to hand out as soon as word comes down. Today, many fathers take an active

role in birth process. In childbirth classes, fathers frequently serve as coaches for their

partners, providing both physical and emotional support. How a father experiences

the birth of his child is strongly influenced by his emotional reactions and the degree

to which he believes he is available to support his partner. Many men report that

assisting in the birth of their child was a wonderful experience but at the same time

made them feel helpless, particularly in dealing with their partner’s labor. The more

involved the fathers become in the birth process, the more often they report feelings

of closeness to their spouse and to their newborn child (Fabes and Martin 2000)

When men state that whenever they assist in the birth of their child, they feel

helpless but feels a wonderful feeling. This shows that fathers have a strong emotional

feeling whenever they see their child, and in times that the father is needed badly, it

creates a bond that can never be broken, in the father-child relationship.

13
Parents give each other crucial support during this transitional period. In one study,

new mothers reported a number of problems including:

1. Tiredness and exhaustion.

2. Loss of sleep, especially in the first two months.

3. Concern about ignoring the husband’s needs.

4. Feelings of inadequacy as a mother.

5. An inability to keep up with the housework

6. Feelings of being tied down.

The mothers did not anticipate the many changes they did not realize how much work

is involved in caring for an infant. Fathers gave a similar list of complaits:

1. Loss of sleep up to six weeks.

2. The need to adjust to new responsibilities and routines.

3. Disruptions of daily routines.

4. Ignorance of the amount of work the baby requires.

5. Financial worries

Babies cry, frown, kick and later smile to make their feelings known. When

these communications receive positive responses from parents (for example, crying

leads to being feed) babies learn that communication gets results and is worthwhile

(Brooks 2001).

14
 Stressed as usual, the new parents share this feeling for the first months of the

life of their new siblings. Parents must bare with it, because this is a growing child. It

is continuously developing until it reaches the time that there will be nothing more to

learn and contentment may come.

Paternalism is desperately out of fashion. Nowadays notion of “children’s

rights” severely limit what even parents may do to their own offspring, in their

children’s interests but against their will. What public officials may properly do to

adult citizens, in their interests but against their will, is presumably even more

circumscribed. So far as public policy is concerned, certainly, to be a fitting subject

for public policy is concerned, certainly, to be a fitting subject for public paternalism

a decision must first of all involves high stakes. Life-and-death issues most

conspicuously qualify. But so do those that substantially shape your subsequent life

prospects. The case of paternalism, as I have cast it is that the public officials might

better respect your own preferences than you would have done through your own

actions. That is to say those public officials are engaged in evaluating your

preferences.

Paternalism is not practiced that much in our time. The father of the family is

more than a bread winner in today’s lifestyle. This is inconvenient, because the

mother must shoulder the burden upon taking care of the children. The father must

share time with the infant, the father must not only a monetary provider but also, he

must share his precious time to the child to promote the wholeness of a family.
15
 When members of a family reach old age, further adjustments are required in

the family system for it to be able to cope with the new circumstances. Difficulties in

making the adjustment may result in older family members refusing to relinquish

power (trying to hang on to it through manipulation, for example), or alternatively

opting for a passive, dependent role.

Again, this requires a change in the whole multigenerational system and the

need here is for the new parents to ‘move up a generation’ within the family system

so there is space within the system for them to become caretakers of a younger

generation. Difficulties at this stage may be due to parents having difficulty in making

the transition to this new role, and this is likely to reflect a problem with the whole

system, and not just with the couple. When parents complain that their four-year-old

is “impossible to control”, or expect their child to behave like an adult, it is almost as

if they have not realized their own size and strength as an adults. And this may well

be because the previous generation has had difficulty in letting them grow up and

cease to be children. Grandparents who have had difficulty in giving up their own role

as the parental generation can fail to support their children in their new role as

parents, and even actively undermine them.

According to Pressley and McCormick (2007), a child’s earliest social

relationships are in the context of a family, and his or her earliest social relationship is

with an adult primary caregiver, very often the mother. Family life extends beyond

infancy. Babies form strong emotional ties with their caregivers. The attached baby

interacts extensively with the adult attachment object-typically, the child’s mother.
16
Parents who were sensitive to infant signals that caused them to stay in contact with

the infant should have been more likely to have babies that survived and grew up to

be adults, who, in turn reproduced. Similarly, babies who signaled their parents when

they needed parental attention should have been more likely to grow up and produce

children of their own. Parents not so sensitive to signals given by their babies might

have ignored their wails just before a dangerous event, such as a wild animal attack.

Similarly, babies who failed to wail when in danger would have been less likely to

live long enough to reproduce. In either case, if the result was the death of the infant,

the parents’ genes would not have been passed on and their characteristics would not

have been favored by evolution.

A wealth of evidence shows that environmental risks, poverty, negative family

interaction, and parental divorce, job loss, mental illness, and drug abuse predisposed

to children to future problems. New evidence on resiliency – the ability to spring back

from adversity- is receiving increasing attention because investigators want to find

ways to protect young people from damaging effects of stressful life conditions.

A Child’s genetically influenced characteristics can reduce exposure to risk or

lead to experiences that compensate for early stressful events.

A close relationship with at least one parent who provides affection and

assistance and introduces order and organization into the child’s life fosters resiliency.

But note that this factor (as well as the next one) is not independent of children’s

personal characteristics. (Berk 2002)

17
 According to Margaret and Barnes (2008), attachment is the development of

the strong relationship between a mother or a caregiver and a baby, which leads to

emotional security in the child. While the interaction between the infant and caregiver

needs to be consistent and long term, the experience around birth and the early

postnatal period provides and opportunity to establish this relationship early. A

mother’s responsiveness to the signals from her baby is strongly influenced by the

immediate post birth period and the opportunities she is afforded to hold and get to

know the baby undisturbed.

Perry, Kenitzer and Kaufmann (2007), stated that adult behavior can also have

a profound effect on child development and behavior. Data from Adverse Childhood

Experiences study (ACE) strongly suggests that children are affected in a variety of

ways by exposure to suck adult risk factors as mental illness, alcohol and/or drug

abuse, and domestic violence.

Santrock (2006) stated that, the importance of adequate nutrients consumed in

a loving and supportive environment during the infant years cannot be overstated.

From birth to 1 year of age, human infants nearly triple their weight and increase their

length by 50 percent. Individual differences among infants in terms of their nutrients

reserves body composition, growth rates, and activity patterns make defining actual

nutrient needs difficult. However, because parents need guidelines, nutritionists

recommend that infants consume approximately 50 calories per day for each pound

they weigh- more than twice an adult’s requirement per pound. The well- meaning
18
parents substituted vegetables, skim milk, and other low-fat foods for what they called

junk food. However, for growing infants, high-calorie, high-energy foods are part of

the balanced diet. Human milk or an alternative formula is baby’s source of nutrients

and energy for the first 4-6 months of life.

Woolfe, Dryden and Strawbridge (2003), stated that when the infant or child

experiences trauma or neglect, it uses the body to cut off the pain by tensing of the

muscles… the result is a body that is shaped shaped by the misuse of the muscle to

absorb hurt and to control the responses which would be unacceptable if expressed.

Parenting implies the commitment of an individual or individuals to provide

for the physical and psychosocial needs to a child. Many people believe parenting is

the most difficult and yet rewarding experience an individual can have. Many parents

assume this important job with little education in parenting or child rearing. If the

parents as a role models and seek resources, the transition to parenting is made easier

(James, Ashwill and Droske 2002)

Immunization is the process by which vaccines are introduced into the body

before infection sets in. vaccines are administered to induce immunity thereby

causing the recipient’s immune system to react to the vaccine that produces antibodies

to fight infection. (Cuevas 2007)

19
 Immunization is only one of the many painful procedures done mostly to

infants. It is also the best ways to strengthen the defense mechanism of the body

against a foreign object that enters the body. If the body’s defense mechanism is high

then you are not at risk for having any kind of disease. Vaccines are very important

for infants and newborns for it boost their immune system. Immunization in infants is

usually given via intramuscular injection. Some of the vaccines given are DPT, BCG,

Hepa B, Measles and so much more. This vaccines are given at a different period of

time such as: the HEPA B can be given at birth but may be given at any age for those

not previously immunized, DPT and OPV are given for 3 time; first dose is given

when the infant is 2 months old, second dose is when infant is 4 months old and third

those is when infant is 6 months old; measles on the other hand is given to the 9th

month old babies. The development and administration of immunization are among

the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, and their positive impact

on disease prevention and reduction of human suffering is almost incalculable.

Hundreds of millions of cases of illness and millions of deaths have been prevented

by these agents. To provide this protection, the current Center for Disease Control and

Prevention schedule recommends immunizations against 14 diseases, which translate

into 14 to 20 separate injections before the age of 2 years, depending on the number

combination vaccines available. Therefore, immunizations are the most frequently

occurring painful procedures performed in pediatric settings. The number of

immunizations is the most frequently occurring painful procedures in pediatric

setting. The number of immunizations recommended nowadays necessitates that

multiple injections be administered at the same visit. Numerous studies show which
20
administration of orally sweet-tasting solutions relief signs of pain during painful

procedures (Department of Health, 2007)

Immunizing infants at the earliest recommended age is best. Infants and

children who are not immunized are more likely to suffer from severe health

problems, disability, or even death. It work naturally by using the body’s own

immune system, making it stronger and teaching it to fight diseases. Giving a child

several vaccines at the same time does not harm a normal immune system.

The number of fathers participating in child care is increasing. In addition,

fathers assume primary child care responsibilities in about 20 percent of families in

which parents are employed. (Danuta Bukatko 2004)

Newborns sleep 16 to 18 hours a day on a irregular schedule with periods of 1-

3 hours spent awake. It is best to put newborns to sleep when they are sleepy but not

asleep. Newborns can be encouraged to sleep less during the day. By exposing them

to light and by playing more with them during the day hours. As evening approaches

the environment can be less bright, and quieter with less activity.(Kozier 2008)

Related Studies

A study made by Briñosa (2007), regarding social support during adolescent

pregnancy reveals that adolescent are usually ill-prepared for the demands of

pregnancy and impending parenthood, therefore are stressed. They acknowledge

findings from other researches that social support plays a vital role in decreasing this

stress in improving outcomes in pregnant and parenting in adolescents. She

21
categorized in teenagers as unintended, associate it to late entry into the pre-natal

care, a lower number of pre-natal visits, tobacco and alcohol use during pregnancy,

low birth weight, infant mortality, child abuse and insufficient resources for child

development. This would mean that children born of teenage mothers are

disadvantaged physically, socially and economic wise. The transition of parenthood

may be difficult for adolescent parents. Coping with the developmental task of

parenthood often is complicated by the unmet developmental needs and task of

adolescence. The new parents may feel different from their peers, excluded from fun

activities and forced prematurely to assume an adult social role. Teenage pregnancy

in the country could be better understood in the light of the kind of child-rearing the

adolescent is subjected to at home. Filipino parents give very little sex education to

their children. For some families, discussion about sex is taboo. Without much

knowledge about sex, these young people tend to explore and engage in premarital

sex unmindful of the consequences of their acts.

According to Capili (2001), childbirth practices pursue along very primitive

ways, Zipagang. To one knows intimately the process of giving birth, when the

expectant mother is about to deliver her child, they are attended to by their older

sister, auntie or mother, and sometimes when no one of them is available, husband

tend to the practice. The labouring mother is laid upon of leaves, which serve as a

comforting cushion and blood absorbent. The baby is wrapped with a number of

lagundi, amulti-scalloped leaf of vine with extra ordinary heat ti help move out the

Kadera, fetus partner and other impurities inside the womb. The blood that spurts
22
from cutting is rubbed against the baby’s lips with the belief that this will make the

baby grow to be good. Coconut shell fibers called Kapor are place against the cord to

stop bleeding. Both mother and the infant are bathed or cleansed with warm water and

mother can resume her work for few hours after delivery.

According to Kozier and Erbs (2008), adolescence is the period during which

the person becomes physically and psychologically mature and acquires a personal

identity. At the end of this critical period in development, the person should be ready

to enter adulthood and assume its responsibilities.

Lagunilla (2000) stated that breastfeeding benefits the infants in all societies,

but especially in developing countries where sanitary conditions might not be

adequate. Economic constraints force large numbers of women to return to work

while still breastfeeding their infants. The ability to express milk for later

breastfeeding when away from the infant may strongly influence a mother’s decision

to continue breastfeeding even they have returned to work.

In the study of Ymasa (2007), she stated that older man can be great source of

information for expectant fathers. Even though times have change and today’s fathers

are often more involved in baby’s daily care than their own fathers were, hearing an

older man’s perspective can be helpful to younger men attempting to clarify their own

values. Wonderful books that great tips on parenting are available at most bookstores.

They often offer specific ways for fathers to relate to children as man, not as second

mother. Internet sites on fatherhood such as newfathers.org and fatherhood.org

provide terrific information and links to related sites. These resources can be valuable
23
to fathers lacking strong father role models. Counseling may be helpful in some cases,

especially when expectant fathers own fathers were absent, distant, or abusive.

Resolution of these issues before birth is recommended, so father feels more

comfortable, confident, and equipped for parenting from day one.

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter deals with the method of research, data gathering, instruments

used, and the different sources such as interviews, observation and survey.

Description of data and information gathered were analyzed and treated statistically to

answer the specific problems of the investigation.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Descriptive method was utilized to determine the profile of the respondents

and to the extent at which to determine the paternal involvement in care taking to

newborn.

SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

The researcher used purposive sampling technique in which each possible

sample of different units had an equal chance of being selected which also implied
24
that the members of the population had the same chance of being selected into

sample. The respondents of this research includes (100) one hundred fathers who had

newborns residing at Brgy. San Roque, Quezon City.

RESEARCH LOCALE

This research was conducted in Brgy. San Roque, Quezon City. This study

was manageable with the time frame of the research during the period month of

January up to March 2010. It comprised of 100 first time fathers. The selected area of

investigation has numerous fathers’ resident who has newborn.

INSTRUMENTS USED

The main instrument to be used in this study would be a questionnaire in

checklist, which was prepared by the researcher. The checklist questionnaire

consisted three parts, which as follows:

Part I. What is the profile of respondents?

Age

Civil Status

Educational Attainment

Occupation
25
Part II: What is the involvement given by the father to his newborn?

DATA GATHERING TECHNIQUE

This study was conducted to determine the paternal involvement in care taking

activities of newborn.

1 .The researcher passed the letter of approval to the adviser to be granted by the

baranggay captain in enable for the researcher to conduct a study at the Brgy. San

Roque, Quezon City.

2. In Brgy. San Roque, Quezon City where there was a 100 father respondents who

has a newborn.

3. Upon the approval of the Barangay Captain, the survey was conducted and the

questionnaires were distributed for the respondents to answer.

4. After the data gathering procedure, the data collected was tallied and was presented

to the panelist

STATISTICAL TREATMENT DATA

There are two (2) specific questions and it will be answered by the

respondents.

Specific Question No.1

26
What was the socio-demographic profile of the fathers as to age, education

attainment, civil status, employment status and occupation?

Frequency and Percentage

P= F___ x 100%

Where: P= percentage

F= frequency

N= number of respondents

Specific Question No. 2

The weighted frequency for each item was determined by multiplying

the frequency of each item by the weight in the instrument using 5-point numerical

scale of assessment.

Numerical Equivalent Range Description

27
 5 4.50 - 5.00 Always

4 3.50 – 4.49 Often

3 2.50 – 3.49 Sometimes

2 1.50 – 2.49 Seldom

1 1.00 – 1.49 Never

The summation of the weight frequencies was determined by adding all the

weighted frequencies for a particular item in questionnaire.

The weighted mean of the weighted frequencies was computed through this

formula.

28
 CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

PRESENTAION OF DATA

This chapter is primarily concerned with the results and interpretation of the

data gathered by the researcher using the questionnaires.

It also presents the data gathered on the involvement of paternal in care taking

to newborn followed by its interpretation and analysis.

Profile of respondents in terms of:

TABLE 1

Frequency and Percentage of the Distribution of

The Respondents According to Age

29
 AGE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

15-20 7 7%
21-25 28 28%
26-30 37 37%
31-35 18 18%
36-40 8 8%
41-45 2 2%
TOTAL 100 100%

Table 1 shows the frequency and percentage distribution of the respondent’s in

terms of age.

Out of 100 respondents, seven or 7 percent are from the 15-20 years of age,

twenty-eight or 28 percent are from the 21-25 years of age, thirty-seven or 37 percent

are from the 26-30 years of age, eighteen or 18 percent are from the 31-35 years of

age, eight or 8 percent are from the 35-45 years of age and two or 2 percent of the

respondents are belong to 41-45 years of age.

According to Olds (2004), almost half of the fathers of newborns of adolescent

mothers are not teens themselves, but are 20 years of age or older. Of these men,

approximately one fifth are 6 years or older than the adolescent mother.

Based on the result of the findings, majority of the respondents belonged in the

26-30 age groups because most of the population of the fathers assigned in the

baranggay falls in this age group.

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 TABLE 2

Frequency and percentage of the Distribution of the

Respondents According to Civil Status

CIVIL STATUS FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

SINGLE 28 28%

MARRIED 58 58%

SEPARATED 2 2%

LIVE-IN 32 32%

TOTAL 100 100%

Table 2 shows the frequency and distribution of the civil status of the

respondents.

Out of 100 respondents, twenty-eight or 28 percent belongs to the

single group of individuals, fifty- eight or 58 percent are from the married individuals,

two or 2 percent are from the separated group while thirty two or 32 percent are from

individuals with live- in partners.

Steinberg (2000) states that every man has similar perception of the

impact of fatherhood in a married couple, these men see parenthood as having a major

effect on their personal relationship with their wives or partners and on the family’s

economic status, yet are confused on how to cope. They express concern about

providing a sufficient income. Those who considered paternity leave resisted taking it

31
 because of financial considerations and for some, because of workplace where men

are career oriented.

Based on the result findings, majority of the fathers in the community

are married and have stable jobs.

TABLE 3

Frequency and Percentage of the Distribution of the

Respondents according to Educational Attainment

EDUCATIONAL
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
BACKGROUND

COLLEGE GRADUATE 7 7%

COLLEGE UNDER
GRADUATE 9 9%

HIGHSCHOOL GRADUATE 47 47%

HIGHSCHOOL UNDER
19 19%
GRADUATE

ELEMENTARY GRADUATE 10 10%

1 1%
ELEMENTARY UNDER
GRADUATE

32
VOCATIONAL 7 7%

TOTAL 100 100%

Table 3 shows the frequency and percentage of the respondents educational

attainment.

Out of 100 percent respondents the highest educational attainment of the

respondents were high school graduates with the percentage of 47 percent, second are

the 19 percent of respondents that are high school undergraduate, followed by 10

percent respondents that are Elementary Graduates, 9 percent are college

undergraduates, vocational courses have 7 percent, and the remaining 1 percent of the

Respondents are from the elementary under graduates.

According to Kozier and Erbs (2008), adolescence is the period during which

the person becomes physically and psychologically mature and acquires a personal

identity. At the end of this critical period in development, the person should be ready

to enter adulthood and assume its responsibilities.

Based on the result findings, majority of the respondents fall under the

category of highschool graduate.

TABLE 4

33
 Frequency and Percentage of the Distribution of the

Respondents according to Occupational Status

OCCUPATION FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

EMPLOYED 30 30%

UNEMPLOYED 21 21%
SELF
49 49%
EMPLOYED
TOTAL 100 100%

Table 4 shows the frequency and percentage of the distribution of the

respondents according to occupational status.

This is the table of monthly income of 100 percent of the respondents.

Out of 100 percent of respondents, self-employed respondents have the highest

percent with the percentage of 53 percent, followed by Employed respondents with 30

percent of the average respondents, and then 17 percent of the average numbers of

respondents belong to the unemployed group of individuals.

According to Medina (2001) “the basic roles of the Filipino husband as

economic provider, general handyman around the house, symbolic household head

and representative of the family in the community”.

34
 Based on the result findings majority of the res poondents fall under the

category of self-employed.

TABLE 5

Frequency and Percentage of the Distribution of the

Respondents According to Monthly Income

MONTHLY
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
INCOME

4000 – above 13 13%

3001 – 4000 11 11%
2001 – 3000 25 25%
1001 – 2000 30 30%
0 – 1000 21 21%

TOTAL 100 100%

Table 5 shows the frequency and percentage of the distribution of the

respondents according to their monthly income

Out of 100 percent of respondents the highest monthly income receive

by the respondents is below 3,000.00, followed by 25 percent respondents that are

earning 6,000.00 monthly income, then 21 percent of the respondents are dependent

to the family’s monthly income, while 13 percent of respondents are earning

35
10,000.00 and above monthly income, and lastly 11 percent of the respondents are

earning 8,000.00 of their monthly income.

The father is the principal breadwinner and considered the head of the family.

In most Filipino household, the income of the father is the basis of the family’s

economic security. The father provides direction and leadership in the family. (De

Belen 2008).

The statement of the respondents pertaining to the

Paternal Involvements in taking Care of the Newborn

TABLE 6.1

Weighted Mean and Description of the

Paternal Involvement related to the Hygiene of the Newborn

HYGIENE WEIGHTED DESCRIPTION

MEAN

Changing the diaper 4.08 Agree

36
 Bathing the baby 3.85 Agree
Putting powder 3.68 Agree
Cleaning the umbilical cord
3.17 Agree

Dressing child properly 3.66 Agree

Cleaning baby’s nose Neither Agree nor
3.30
Disagree
TOTAL WEIGHTED MEAN
3.62 Agree

Table 6.1 shows the weighted mean and description of the paternal practices

related to hygiene of the newborn.

Based on the result findings, the total weighted mean is 3.62 and the

over all interpretation of table 6.1 is agree. It means that the paternal practice

involving hygiene of the newborn is utilized.

The highest weighted mean noted is in question number 1 whose score is 4.08-

Changing the diaper. This was the highest among the question in the category

hygiene.

The lowest weighted mean noted is in question number 4 whose score is 3.17-

Cleaning the umbilical cord.

Fathers who are most successful at this task generally likes children,

are excited about the prospect of fatherhood, are eager to nurture a child, and have

confidence in their ability to be a parent (Ladewig 2006).

37
 TABLE 6.2

Weighted Mean and Description of the

Paternal Involvement related to Feeding of the Newborn

FEEDING WEIGHTED
DESCRIPTION
PATTERN MEAN

Preparing formulated milk 4.09 Agree

Burping the baby after eating 3.69 Agree

Feeding of the Newborn 2.90 Neither Agree nor Disagree

TOTAL WEIGHTED MEAN 3.56 Agree

Table 6.2 shows the weighted mean and description of the paternal practices related to

feedong of the newborn.

Based on the result findings, the total weighted mean is 3.56 and the over-all

interpretation of table 6.2 is agree. It means that fathers are involved in feeding their

newborn.

The highest weighted mean noted is in question number 1 whose score is 4.09-

preparing formulated milk. This was the highest among the question in the category

feeding pattern.

38
 The lowest weighted mean noted is in question number 3 whose score is 2.90-

Feeding the newborn..

Babies cry, frown, kick and later smile to make their feelings known.

When these communications receive positive responses from parents (for example,

crying leads to being feed) babies learn that communication gets results and is

worthwhile (Brooks 2001).

TABLE 6.3

Weighted Mean and Description of the

Paternal Involvement related to Conducive Environment

For Newborn

WEIGHTED
CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT DESCRIPTION
MEAN

Assurance that the baby have conducive sleep 4.03 Agree

Assurance that the baby is secured 3.77 Agree

Providing the baby with quiet, comfortable

3.66 Agree
temperature and adequate ventilation.

Cuddling the baby before sleeping 3.92 Agree

39
 TOTAL WEIGHTED MEAN 3.85 Agree

Table 6.3 shows the weighted mean and description of the paternal

practice related to conducive environment for the newborn.

Based on the result findings, the total weighted mean is 3.55 and the

over-all interpretation of table 6.3 is agree.

The highest weighted mean noted is in question number 1 whose score is 4.03-

assurance hat the baby have conducive sleep. This was the highest among the

question in the category conducive environment.

The lowest weighted mean noted is in question number 3 whose score is 3.66-

Providing the baby with quiet, comfortable temperature and adequate ventilation.

First-time fathers perceive the first 4-10 weeks of parenthood in much the

same way the mothers do, that is as a period characterized by, uncertainty, increased

responsibility, disruption of sleep, and inability to control time needed to care for the

infant and reestablish marital dyad. (Ladewig 2006).

TABLE 6.4

Weighted Mean and Description of the

Paternal Involvement related to Safety Precaution of the Newborn

40
 SAFETY WEIGHTED
DESCRIPTION
PRECAUTION MEAN

Assurance that the sides of the crib are

3.77 Agree
secured

Keeping the baby from any harmful

4.27 Agree
objects that may cause any accident

Using mosquito net while the baby is Neither Agree nor

3.43
sleeping Disagree

Assurance that the pin that is attached

3.99 Agree
to the baby’s clothes is secured

TOTAL WEIGHTED MEAN 3.86 Agree

Table 6.4 shows the weighted mean and description og the Paternal Practices related

to Safety Precaution of the Newborn.

Based on the result findings, the total weighted mean is 3.86 and the over-all

interpretation of table 6.4 is agree.

The highest weighted mean noted is in question number 4 whose score is 3.99-

Assurance that the pin that is attached to the baby’s clothes is secured. This was the

highest among the question in the category conducive environment.

41
 The lowest weighted mean noted is in question number 3 whose score is 3.43-

Using mosquito net while the baby is sleeping.

Anderson (1996a) the father’s willingness to invest in and take responsibility

for nurturing the relationship with his newborn despite difficulties in parenting and

other life demands. Becoming connected appears to be the basic psychologic process

in the development of the father-infant relationship.

TABLE 6.5

Weighted Mean and Description of the

Paternal Involvement to Health Promotion for the Newborn

42
 WEIGHTED
HEALTH CARE PRACTICE DESCRIPTION
MEAN
Bringing the baby for his/her check- Agree
3.64
up
Bring the baby to the nearest Health Agree
3.66
center or Hospital when he/she is sick
Giving prescribed medicine given by
3.79 Agree
your Doctor
Giving medicine that is not Agree
4.03
prescribed by the Doctor
Giving his/her vitamins everyday 3.88 Agree
Caring of the baby when he/she is
3.96 Agree
sick
Assurance that the immunizations
and vaccinations are given to the 3.80 Agree
baby
TOTAL WEIGHTED MEAN 3.82 Agree

Table 6.5 shows the Weighted Mean and Description of the Paternal Practices

to Health Promotion for the Newborn

Based on the result findings, the total weighted mean is 3.82 and the over-all

interpretation of table 6.5 is agree.

The highest weighted mean noted is in question number 4 whose score is 4.03-

Giving medicine that is not prescribed by the Doctor. This was the highest among the

question in the category conducive environment.

The lowest weighted mean noted is in question number 3 whose score is 3.64-

Bringing the baby for his/her check-up.

Santrock (2006) stated that, the importance of adequate nutrients consumed in

a loving and supportive environment during the infant years cannot be overstated.

43
From birth to 1 year of age, human infants nearly triple their weight and increase their

length by 50 percent.

TABLE 6.6

Weighted Mean and Description of the

Paternal Involvement related to Spending Time with their Newborn

WEIGHTED
SPENDING TIME WITH THE BABY DESCRIPTION
MEAN

Play with the baby 4.25 Agree

Providing colorful
3.85 Agree
surroundings for the baby

Cuddling the baby 4.26 Agree

TOTAL WEIGHTED
4.12 Agree
MEAN

44
 TABLE 6.6 shows the Weighted Mean and Description of the Paternal

Practices related to Spending Time with their Newborn

Based on the result findings, the total weighted mean is 4.12 and the over-all

interpretation of table 6.6 is agreed.

The highest weighted mean noted is in question number 4 whose score is 4.26-

cuddling the baby. This was the highest among the question in the category spending

time with the baby.

The lowest weighted mean noted is in question number 3 whose score is 3.85
–Providing colorful surroundings for the baby
.

Medina (2001) stated that, fathers spend considerable time “communicating”

with the infant and taking delight in the infant’s response to them. A sense of

increased self-esteem and a sense of being proud, bigger, more mature, and older are

all experienced by fathers after seeing their baby for the first time.

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 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter presents the summary, conclusion, and recommendation of the study.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

1. Demographic Profile of the Respondents

1.1 Age: Out of 100 respondents, seven or 7% are from the 15-20 years of age,

twenty-eight or 28% are from the 21-25 years of age, thirty-seven or 37% are

from the 26-30 years of age, eighteen or 18% are from the 31-35 years of age,

eight or 8% are from the 35-45 years of age and two or 2% of the respondents are

belong to 41-45 years of age

46
1.2 Civil Status: Out of 100 respondents, twenty-eight or 28% belongs to the

single group of individuals, fifty- eight or 58% are from the married individuals,

two or 2% are from the separated group while thirty two or 32% are from

individuals with live- in partners.

1.3 Educational Attainment: Out of 100% respondents the most highest

educational attainment were high school graduates with the percentage of 47 %,

secondly are 19 % of respondents that are high school undergraduate, followed by

10% respondents that are Elementary Graduates, 9% are college undergraduates,

both vocational and college graduates has 7%, and 1% of Respondents are

elementary under graduates.

1.4 Occupational Status: This is the table of monthly income of 100%

respondents, out of 100% of respondents, self-employed respondents has the

highest % with the percentage of 53%, followed by Employed respondents with

30% of the average and then 17% of the average are unemployed.

1.5 Monthly Income: Out of 100% of respondents the most highest monthly

income receive by the respondents from 2,001.00 - 3,000.00, followed by 25%

respondents that are earning from 4,001.00 - 5,000.00 monthly, then 21% of the

respondents are dependent to the family’s monthly income, then 13% of

47
 respondents are earning from 5,001.00 and above monthly income, and lastly 11%

of the respondents are earning 0 - 1,000.00 of their monthly income.

2. Paternal Involvements in the care of the Newborn

2.1 Hygiene: Out of the 3.62 weighted mean in hygiene the highest

weighted mean is in the changing the diaper of the baby.

2.2 Feeding: Out of 3.56 weighted mean in the feeding pattern, the highest

weighted mean is preparing formulated milk.

2.3 Conducive Environment: Out of the 3.85 weighted mean, the highest

weighted mean is making sure that the baby have Conducive Sleep.

2.4 Safety Precautions: Out of the 3.86 weighted mean in the safety

precaution the highest weighted mean is keeping the baby from harmful objects that

may cause any accident.

2.5 Health Promotion: Out of the 3.82 weighted mean, the highest

weighted mean is giving of the prescribed medicine.

2.6 Bonding Time: Out of the 4.12 weighted mean, the highest weighted

mean is cuddling the baby.

48
CONCLUSION

In the result findings, the following conclusions were drawn based on the findings of

the study:

1. Demographic Profile of the Respondents

1.1. The profile of the respondents in terms of age are 15-20, 21-25, 26-30,

31-35, 36-40 and 41-45 years of age.

Majority of the fathers as the respondents are belonged in the 26-30 age group.

1.2. The profile of the respondents in terms of civil status is single, married,

live-in and separated.

Majority of the fathers as the respondents of the study are married individuals.

1.3. The profile of the respondents in terms of educational attainment were

college graduate, college undergraduate, high school graduate, high school

undergraduate, elementary graduate, elementary undergraduate and vocational.

Majority of the educational attainment of the fathers are high school graduate.

49
 1.4. The profile of the respondents in terms of occupational status was

employed, unemployed and self-employed.

Majority of the fathers as the respondents of the study are self-employed.

1.5. The profile of the respondents in terms of monthly income 0 – 1,000.00,

1,00.00 – 2,000.00, 2,001 – 3,000.00, 3,001.00 – 4,000.00, 4,001.00 – 5,000.00 and

5,001.00 above.

Majority of the monthly income receive by the respondents is within the range of

2,001.00 – 3,000.00.

2. Paternal Involvement in taking care of the Newborn

2.1 In Hygiene: it shows that the respondents are agreeing in changing the

diaper of their baby which means most of the fathers who agreed have

knowledge in changing the diaper.

2.2 In Feeding: it shows that the respondents are agreeing in preparing formula

milk which means most of the fathers who agreed have knowledge in preparing

formula milk.

2.3 In Conducive Environment: it shows that the respondents are agreeing in

making sure the baby has an adequate sleep which means the most of the father has

knowledge about it.

50
2.4 In Safety Precaution: it shows that the respondents are agreeing in keeping out the

baby from any harmful objects that may cause any accidents which means the father

has knowledge.

2.5 In Health Promotion: it shows that the respondents are agreeing in giving

prescribed medicine given by their doctors which means the father has knowledge.

2.6 In Spending Time: it shows that the respondents are agreeing in cuddling the baby

which means the father has knowledge.

RECOMMENDATION

1) This research is recommended to all nursing students to know the importance

of paternal care for the newborn.

2) This research study aims to present that the paternal care is also important for the

newborn.

3) It is recommended for the first time fathers to gain more knowledge about

their importance.

4) This includes that the first time fathers has the ability to take care of their newborn.

5) This research is recommended for the social workers to provide health

teaching for the first time fathers.

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