IMPACT OF PATERNAL INVOLVEMENT ON MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AND INFANT FEEDING PRACTICES IN NIGERIA: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This literature review examines the role of paternal involvement in shaping maternal mental health outcomes and infant feeding practices within the Nigerian context. Drawing on relevant studies identified through comprehensive database searches, the review synthesizes evidence on how fathers' participation influences exclusive breastfeeding rates, maternal psychological well-being, and child nutrition outcomes. The paper adopts Social Support Theory, Family Systems Theory, and Socio-ecological Models of Health Behavior as its theoretical framework. The review reveals that while paternal support significantly enhances breastfeeding initiation and duration and reduces the risk of maternal postpartum depression, Nigerian-specific research remains limited. Key findings indicate that culturally informed interventions targeting fathers can substantially improve their intentions and behaviors toward supporting exclusive breastfeeding. However, persistent barriers—including traditional gender norms, limited health system engagement with fathers, and socioeconomic constraints—continue to impede optimal paternal involvement. The review identifies critical gaps in understanding the mechanisms linking paternal support to maternal mental health in Nigerian populations and calls for context-specific interventions that address cultural beliefs while promoting father engagement in maternal and child health.