Influencing factors of expectant fathers' fear of childbirth：a latent profile analysis

Abstract Objective To explore the latent profiles of fear of childbirth (FOC) among expectant fathers and identify influencing factors, aiming to inform the development of targeted psychological interventions. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 341 expectant fathers attending antenatal visits with their pregnant partners at three hospitals (one tertiary, two secondary) in Jilin Province, China, from March to August 2023 through convenience sampling.The fathers’ fear of childbirth scale (FFCS) was used to assess paternal FOC. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was applied to identify distinct subgroups of FOC, and binary logistic regression was used to explore influencing demographic factors. Results Latent profile analysis delineated two distinct submodels: Maladaptive/Negative Fathers (58.36%) and Adaptive/Supportive Fathers (41.64%). Logistic regression revealed that younger age (≤ 24 years; OR = 0.342, P  = 0.001), lower education level (high school OR = 0.250, P  = 0.038; undergraduate OR = 0.295, P  = 0.037), frequent antenatal attendance (OR = 0.198, P  = 0.042), and part-time cohabitation with partner (OR = 0.059, P  = 0.034) were significant predictors of being classified into the Adaptive/Supportive group. Conclusion Expectant fathers’ FOC demonstrates clear heterogeneity, influenced by sociodemographic factors such as age, education, participation in antenatal care, and living arrangement. Tailored interventions should account for individual differences, promote father-role identity, and incorporate flexible support strategies to enhance paternal engagement and optimize perinatal family support. Clinical implications : Fear of Childbirth in expectant fathers is a significant yet often overlooked issue. It commonly involves concerns about the heal of the baby and partner, self-efficacy in coping, and hospital-related anxiety. These fears can adversely affect not only the father's physical and mental health but also family functioning. The findings suggest that fear of childbirth in expectant fathers is multifaceted and varies in severity and expression. By identifying different latent fear profiles and their associated factors, this study provides evidence-based guidance for developing targeted support strategies.