A study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine on the role of fathers finds that many men in urban, low-income areas of Baltimore are involved in the lives of their children, contrary to popular stereotypes. These findings will be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies conference in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 4.

"We found that the fathers from urban environments and low-income families are as interested in their children as any other father. They want to be there for their children and they want to have more time with their children," says Howard Dubowitz, M.D., M.S., professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and director of the University of Maryland Child Protection Program.

Much of the earlier research about father involvement has focused on white, middle class fathers. Until now very little data had been collected, particularly from the men's perspective, about how involved urban, low-income fathers are with their children.

Building on previous studies about the importance of fathers, Dr. Dubowitz and his colleagues asked 252 urban, low-income mothers of 8-year-olds recruited from high risk community pediatric clinics whether there was a father or father figure involved in the child's life. About three-quarters of the mothers identified such a man.

The researchers then interviewed 131 of these fathers about their perceptions of fatherhood and their involvement with the children.

Eighty-eight of the 131 father, or about two-thirds, described spending time with their children, talking and taking part in activities involving entertainment. Almost half of the men viewed their role as providing emotional as well as physical support for necessities and even toys. Thirty-four of the fathers saw themselves as having a teaching role, and 16 of the fathers emphasized their function as a role model for their children.

"This research may help to dispel the stereotype that most urban, low-income fathers are absent and uninvolved in their children's lives," says Dr. Dubowitz. He stresses that while this study may represent the roles of most involved fathers, it is important for pediatricians to recognize fathers' involvement and work with these men to ultimately benefit the child's health and development.

Dr. Dubowitz's previous studies found that children who have fathers in their lives learn better, have fewer behavioral problems, have higher self-esteem and show fewer signs of depression than children without a father or father figure.

---Pediatric Academic Societies

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