Exploring men’s alcohol consumption in the context of becoming a father: a scoping review

Abstract

The transition to fatherhood may present a ‘teachable moment’ when men evaluate their health behaviors. This scoping review synthesizes evidence on men’s experiences of alcohol consumption in the context of fatherhood, and on interventions to reduce drinking among new fathers. We searched four databases and reference lists to identify eligible studies. The review findings were discussed with key stakeholders. The review identified five articles published in peer-reviewed journals, and one protocol. Three qualitative studies explored fathers’ experiences of alcohol consumption. They suggest that men may reduce their drinking to support their pregnant partner, and that some men believe fathers should be role models for their children. The two intervention studies suggest that text message interventions may be successful in engaging men. However, their effectiveness in addressing alcohol use in fathers is unclear. Only one study evaluated intervention effectiveness and this was a couple-based smoking intervention, that led to reduction in drinking. This review found that it is feasible to recruit fathers through gatekeepers and venues where fathers may go (e.g. antenatal clinics). This scoping review highlights the scarcity of research on fathers’ experiences of alcohol use and on interventions to support new fathers to reduce alcohol consumption.