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Engaging Fathers in Infant and Young Child Feeding: A Mixed-Methods Study to explore feasible pathways in South India

Akila D, Augustine LF, Jayalakshmy R, Ruben R · 24 Sept 2026

Abstract

Abstract Father’s role has been underutilized in child nutrition despite their potential influence on household food choices and caregiving. This study aimed to identify feasible practices to strengthen fathers’ involvement and explore the social and contextual factors shaping it. An explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted among 216 fathers of children aged 6–23 months across 21 Anganwadi centres in urban Puducherry. Fathers were categorized as actively or passively involved based on self-reported participation. Knowledge, perceptions and practices and feasible practices were assessed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Eight purposively selected fathers participated in in-depth interviews exploring barriers, facilitators, and social norms influencing practice adoption. Among 216 fathers, 132 (61.1%; 95% CI: 54.4–67.4%) reported active involvement. But only 38.4% of their partners concorded with this perception. Active involvement was associated with higher knowledge, perceptions, and practices. The major feasible practices emerged were purchasing nutritious food (92.6%), joint food-choice discussions (57.9%), role modeling (71.8%), spending quality time (61.1%), and seeking nutrition knowledge (48.1%). Social norm theory described gender norms that assigned feeding responsibilities to mothers but injunctive norms showed a positive shift in perceptions of fathers about their involvement in child feeding. Father-inclusive, family-centered counseling, spousal support, reliable information sources, and intrinsic motivation could facilitate father’s participation.