Fathers' experiences during their partners' childbirth and postpartum period: health vulnerabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES

to analyze fathers' experiences during their partners' childbirth and postpartum period during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on health vulnerabilities.

METHODS

a qualitative study conducted between August 2020 and July 2021 in two maternity wards located in two hospitals in a municipality in the semi-arid region of Ceará, Brazil. The study included 11 fathers who were with their partners during the childbirth and postpartum period. The thematic analysis technique was used, supported by WebQDA® version 3.0. The Conceptual Model of Health Vulnerability supported the analysis and interpretation of results.

RESULTS

the categories of analysis "Paternal support and the psycho-emotional situation during the COVID-19 pandemic" and "Gender issues, functional literacy and paternal participation" emerged.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: fathers' experiences during their partners' childbirth and postpartum period during the COVID-19 pandemic portray situations of health vulnerability. Healthcare services need to be prepared to face future health crises.