Nurses' interactions shape coparenting relationships during early parenthood: a longitudinal study of fathers with infants in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: During the transition to parenthood, the involvement of fathers in childrearing and coparenting is crucial for the well-being of the family. Nurses play a significant role in supporting fathers, but little is known about the practical support they provide in asking and answering questions. This study longitudinally investigates the impact of nurses' interactions with fathers of infants on the coparenting relationship during infancy and toddlerhood. METHODS: Data were collected from the Pappor/Icke-Födande Föräldrar study, involving 413 fathers in Region Stockholm, Sweden, who attended the 3-5-month child health center (CHC) visit. Surveys were administered at baseline (infant mean age in months M = 9.11 and Min-Max = 1-23), 6-month, and 18-month follow-ups. The study measured the extent to which nurses answered and asked fathers' questions and the quality of coparenting relationship was measured using the Brief Coparenting Relationship Scale. Multiple imputation was used for missing data and path analysis was conducted to assess the effects. RESULTS: Nurses fulfilled 79% of items related to answering fathers' questions and 58% of items related to asking questions. Answering fathers' questions significantly improved coparenting relationships at baseline (β = 0.22, p < .001) and at the 6-month follow-up (β = 0.06, p < .01). However, the effect of asking questions was less pronounced. Coparenting relationships declined significantly at the 18-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses' responsive communication during early parental visits positively impacts fathers' coparenting relationships in the short to intermediate term. However, sustained coparenting quality over time may require continuous support and follow-ups. Enhancing training and resources for nurses to balance reactive and proactive interactions is crucial for fostering positive coparenting interactions and family health. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.