672 - Fathers as Caregivers in Crisis: Qualitative Evidence from Lebanon’s Economic Downturn.

Publication Number: 3650.672

Lama Charafeddine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Beyrouth, Lebanon; Maya T. Al Farran, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Beyrouth, Lebanon; Jana Chouman, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Beyrouth, Lebanon; Jana Hassan. Ajjour, American University of Beirut, Beyrouth, Beyrouth, Lebanon; Jinane Makki, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Beyrouth, Lebanon; Fatima Nasser, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Beyrouth, Lebanon; Joelle Najjar, UNICEF, Achrafiyeh, Beyrouth, Lebanon; Amirhossein Yarparvar, unicef, kabul, Kabol, Afghanistan; Pamela Zgheib, AdventHealth for Children, beyrouth, Beyrouth, Lebanon; Aisha K. Yousafzai, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States; Alya Al Sager, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States

Background: Fathers play a critical yet routinely under-examined role in early childhood care, particularly in contexts of economic instability and limited access to services. Recent national data (Lebanon Integrated Micronutrient, Anthropometric, and Child Development 2023 (LIMA 2023) Survey) revealed limited paternal involvement in early caregiving across the country. Building on these findings, this study analyzes qualitative data from a multi-methods child development and care study (whose quantitative component included data from LIMA 2023).

Objective: To explore how fathers describe and navigate their caregiving roles within the broader context of economic hardship and service limitations.

Design/Methods: This study was conducted between July 2023 and March 2024. The sampling frame included eight strata representing administrative zones, in addition to strata for Syrian refugees in informal tent settlements (ITS) and Palestinian refugees living in camps from which fathers, mothers, and grandmothers of young children were purposively sampled. This analysis draws on the 34 in-depth interviews including 13 with fathers. Transcripts were coded and analyzed thematically to examine fathers’ experiences, perceptions, and coping strategies in providing care and support to their children amid economic and structural challenges. The study received the approval of the institution research board and written consent was obtained from participants.

Results: Emerging themes suggest that fathers commonly position themselves primarily as protectors and providers, yet many express ambivalence and emotional strain as they assume greater caregiving responsibilities in the absence of reliable services. Adaptive strategies include re-negotiating routines with mothers, shifting to low-cost enrichment at home, reallocating scarce income toward essentials, and mobilizing extended family networks. Fathers also describe time poverty, masculinized stigma around help-seeking, and trade-offs between income generation and responsive caregiving.

Conclusion(s): This ongoing analysis aims to shed light on how structural and economic stressors reconfigure paternal caregiving roles in Lebanon. The emerging findings highlight the need for policies and interventions that recognize and support fathers as active caregivers in crisis-affected settings.