# Fathers’ involvement in child feeding and associated factors among fathers of children aged 6–24 months in Chena District, Southwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study finds that only 41.6% of fathers in Chena District, Ethiopia, are involved in feeding their children aged 6–24 months, with education, knowledge, and workplace proximity being key factors.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into fathers' involvement in child feeding in a specific Ethiopian region and identifies socio-cultural and occupational factors influencing their participation.

## Key findings

- Only 41.6% of fathers were involved in child feeding in Chena district.
- Fathers with higher education and good knowledge of child feeding were more likely to be involved.
- Workplace distance and negative cultural beliefs reduced fathers' involvement.

## Abstract

Fathers’ involvement in child feeding positively influences feeding practices and child nutrition. Inadequate feeding practices are a major contributor to preventable childhood illnesses and mortality. Although fathers’ participation is important, evidence on the level and factors associated with their involvement in the study area is limited. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of fathers’ involvement in child feeding and associated factors among fathers of children aged 6–24 months in Chena district, Kaffa zone, Southwest Ethiopia, 2025. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1 to June 20, 2025, among 622 fathers of children aged 6–24 months, selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected via structured, pretested questionnaires, coded, entered into EpiData v4.6, and analyzed using SPSS v27. Variables with p < 0.25 in bivariable analysis were included in multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the 622 fathers, 259 (41.6%) were involved in child feeding. Factors positively associated with involvement included college education or above (AOR = 4.41, 95% CI: 1.67–11.66), good knowledge of child feeding (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.78–4.51), positive attitude (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.34–3.28), and good cultural beliefs regarding child feeding (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.40–3.51). Fathers whose workplaces were far from home and who were mostly absent at night were less likely to be involved (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22–0.90). Fathers’ involvement in child feeding in Chena district is low. Educational status, workplace proximity, knowledge, attitude, and cultural beliefs significantly influence fathers’ engagement. Interventions promoting father participation should address these factors to improve child feeding practices.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-40365-1.