[A descriptive study on concerns, stress, and help-seeking among fathers of preschool-age children: Analysis of the 2022 Comprehensive Survey of Living Condition data].

Authors

Shinobu Miyoshi, Tsuguhiko Kato, Satomi Nomura, Erika Obikane, Mako Nagayoshi, Manami Ochi, Sawako Kamo, Kenji Takehara

Published in

[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health. Oct 29, 2026. Epub Oct 29, 2026.

Abstract

Objectives　We sought to identify the reasons for concerns and stress, and help-seeking behaviors among fathers of preschool-aged children, and to provide data for developing support systems targeting fathers.Methods　This cross-sectional study used health and household survey data from the 2022 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions. Participants were divided into two groups (those with and without concerns or stress), and their background characteristics, including fathers' age and educational attainment, were compared. Residual analyses were performed for statistically significant variables. Subsequently, we presented the distribution of causes of these concerns or stress. Finally, binary logistic regression analysis was performed between the outcome of help-seeking behavior and background characteristics, and we calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (Cis), with "not seeking help" coded as 1 and "seeking help" coded as 0.Results　Forty-seven percent of fathers reported concerns or stress; 26% of them did not seek counseling, and 16% scored ≥10 points on the K6 scale. Main reasons for concerns and stress among fathers were: "own work" (52%), "income, family finances, debts, etc." (18%), and "childcare" (6%). Regarding help-seeking behaviors, older fathers, fathers having mood or anxiety disorders (OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.24-1.75), and fathers working ≥11 hours per day were more likely not to seek help than those working 8 hours per day (OR 1.24, 95% CI: 1.02-1.51). Conclusion　Approximately half of fathers reported concern or stress due to "own work," "income, household finances, debt, etc.," and "childcare." Supporting fathers extends beyond childcare support, but requires a support system to improve their workplace environments, consciously encouraging supporters to create an atmosphere conducive to consultation, and checking fathers' concerns and stress levels, including the necessity of mental health screening. Further studies on concrete approaches to support fathers should be conducted, and support providers should be trained accordingly.

PMID:
42951569
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 29 Oct 2026.

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