A new study has found that being a father may come with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to men without children. The research, conducted by Northwestern University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, analyzed data from 2,814 men between the ages of 45 and 85. The study revealed that fathers had worse cardiovascular health outcomes, with variations based on ethnicity and the age at which they became fathers.
The study, published in AJPM Focus, utilized data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and categorized the men as fathers or nonfathers, identifying as black, Chinese, Hispanic, or white. Fathers made up 82% of the group, with researchers noting that men who became fathers under the age of 25, particularly Hispanic or black men, showed poorer heart health compared to other fathers.
Dr. John James Parker, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine and study author, highlighted the challenges that come with fatherhood in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The added responsibility of childcare and the stress of transitioning to fatherhood may make it difficult for men to prioritize healthy habits such as diet and exercise, leading to negative impacts on heart health.
The study also found that men who became fathers before the age of 25 had the worst health outcomes and higher death rates. Factors such as financial instability, lower-paying jobs, and limited leave policies may contribute to the difficulties young fathers face in focusing on their health. Parker emphasized the need for public health interventions tailored to young fathers, as existing programs primarily target young mothers.
Despite the negative cardiovascular health outcomes observed in fathers, the study revealed that they were the least likely to die from any cause within the group. Researchers suggested that fathers may benefit from increased social support and lower rates of depressive symptoms, contributing to their longer lifespan compared to nonfathers.
Interestingly, the study found that black fathers had lower death rates than black nonfathers, indicating a potential protective effect of fatherhood for this demographic. Further research on the association between fatherhood and health outcomes in diverse populations could have significant public health implications.
The impact of fathers’ health on their families was also highlighted in the study, with researchers emphasizing the need to consider the multi-directional relationship among parents and children. Fathers’ health behaviors, such as smoking rates, can influence the well-being of their families, underscoring the importance of addressing health issues within the family unit.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the complex relationship between fatherhood, lifestyle factors, and cardiovascular health outcomes. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by fathers in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, public health interventions can be tailored to support men in their role as caregivers and promote overall well-being for themselves and their families.