Abstract
Background: While research globally is beginning to recognise the importance of engaging fathers in early child feeding and nutrition, there remains limited evidence on paternal involvement within Pacific contexts. In the Solomon Islands, traditional gender roles place the responsibility of child feeding and care primarily on mothers, with little understanding of fathers’ roles, beliefs, and experiences.
Aim: This study aimed to explore how fathers perceive their role in child feeding and to examine the influence of cultural norms, religion, and family dynamics on paternal involvement.
Method: A mixed-methods design was used, including a survey with 50 mothers, three focus group discussions with five fathers in each, and interviews with eight church leaders. Quantitative data assessed the level of father involvement in child feeding, while qualitative data provided insights into fathers’ beliefs, attitudes, and the cultural and religious factors shaping their behaviours.
Findings: Quantitative results revealed that while fathers contribute strongly in economic roles, 94% of mothers said fathers provide money for food, and 88% said they provide food. Only 18% reported that fathers make the final decisions about childfeeding. Participation in practical caregiving was mixed: 70% of fathers cooked during breastfeeding periods, and 48% assisted in feeding. However, only 36% took children to clinics, and 28% were mocked for caregiving involvement. Qualitative findings confirmed that cultural norms, lack of skills and knowledge, and fear of judgment limit involvement, though many fathers expressed willingness to support feeding more actively. Church leaders acknowledged there are barriers like lack of skills, cultural expectations, work, fatigue and fear of community judgements. The church leaders also highlighted opportunities for change, including the roles of church leaders and religious teaching, and growing awareness of fathers’ involvement in child feeding.
Conclusion: Fathers in the Solomon Islands play important supportive and financial roles, but face cultural and social constraints to deeper engagement in child feeding. Findings suggest the need for culturally appropriate interventions that involve fathers and church leaders in promoting shared caregiving responsibilities.