Fathers' engagement in childcare to prevent stunted growth in children : a qualitative study at the primary healthcare level in Rwanda.

Sammanfattning: Background Rwanda has made great progress since the genocide in 1994, but is still facing the challenge of reducing the high prevalence of stunted children. Childhood stunting is an indicator for multiple pathological disorders and gives an elevated risk of chronic disease in adulthood. Engaging fathers and a shared responsibility between two partners in childcare could improve children’s health and help decrease stunting among children in rural areas of Rwanda. Aim The aim was to describe at the primary healthcare level in Rwanda, registered nurses' perceptions and experiences of fathers’ engagement in childcare to prevent stunted growth in children. Method A qualitative field study at three community health centers in Huye district with a semi-structured interview form. A qualitative content analysis was made. Findings The perception among nurses was that it was important to engage fathers to prevent stunted growth in children. Fathers' low level of knowledge in childcare, and traditional gender roles were acting as the main barriers of fathers' engagement, communication campaigns and community training were presented as opportunities to improve the level of engagement of the fathers. Conclusion Fathers participate in childcare. Though, the process of changing traditional gender roles is slow. In order to make further progress the nurses has to emphasize communication between spouses and a shared responsibility for the childcare. More attention needs to be paid to sensitization of families as well as healthcare personnel regarding damaging stereotypes in a traditional Rwandan household.