Barriers to Fathering and Mental Health Outcomes of Unmarried Fathers in Bojanala, South Africa

Rebaone Petlele, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Sibusiso Mkwananzi, University of the Witwatersrand
Clifford O. Odimegwu, University of the Witwatersrand

Pregnancy and childbearing continues to be located as a female issue which includes parenting. Using mixed methods, this study investigated the role of men in teenage pregnancy in the Bojanala district, in the North West province of South Africa. The study shows multiple factors prohibit men from participating in childcare with mental health repercussions for unmarried fathers. Finances are a limitation for men’s involvement in the lives of the mother-child dyad. The nature of the relationship between teenage mothers and father also plays a role in unmarried fathers ability to father. Fathers who have denied paternity and wish to re-establish a relationship experience resistance to accessing their child. Our results show not all uninvolved fathers of children born to teenage mothers made that decision. Deep distress, despair and hopelessness was demonstrated by the fathers included the study, showing fathers require support from the social network to facilitate their involvement.