Fathers' educational needs for perinatal care in urban Iran: a qualitative approach.

Men's participation in perinatal care (PNC) is a promising strategy for improving maternal health. This study aimed to assess the educational needs of men for their participation in PNC. This is a qualitative research study using focus group discussions. These were performed with eight groups of men and women in selected hospitals of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University, Iran. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis methodology. The majority of participants gave the 'emotional support of women' as the most appropriate form of men's participation in PNC, and the 'long working hours of men' as the main barrier. The majority would prefer men's education to be about 'emotional support', 'physiological changes' and 'signs of risks' during pregnancy. The participants emphasized the need to consider couples' requirements when selecting the place, time and duration of education.