Loneliness among fathers of infants: Actual conditions and its relationship with social support

OBJECTIVE: Although paternal involvement in childcare has increased in recent years, paternal health risks experienced by fathers have become more evident. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with loneliness among fathers of infants, including social support, to guide future support strategies. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous web-based survey of 384 fathers of infants registered with a research company. Data were analyzed using the Japanese version of the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale as the dependent variable. The independent variables included demographic characteristics, the Social Support Perception Scale for Parents Rearing Preschoolers, Childcare Support Questionnaire Screening Version for Fathers, and fathers' levels of participation in housework and childcare. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The mean loneliness score for fathers was 6.44 (standard deviation [SD]=2.04), with 172 fathers (44.9 %) classified as experiencing loneliness. Logistic regression analysis showed that the factors associated with loneliness were father's age (odds ratio [OR], 4.137; P = 0.034), having children aged 4-<8 months (OR, 2.405; P = 0.010), having infants ≥ 8 months (OR, 2.303; P = 0.016), father's mental health status (OR, 3.899; P < 0.001), and quality of marital relationship (OR, 1.809; P = 0.041). Social support from confidants (OR, 0.466; P = 0.003) and healthcare professionals (OR, 0.449; P = 0.001) reduced loneliness. CONCLUSION: Loneliness was associated with father's age, child's age, father's mental health status, marital relationship quality, availability of a confidant, and support from healthcare professionals. A comprehensive support system should be established to enable couples to support each other while raising their children.