Impact of Maternity Leave and Breastfeeding Policies in Turkey on
Physician Fathers: Cross-sectional Study
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate maternity leave from the point
of view of physician fathers and examine the factors that affect their
support for their colleagues. Methods: This is a descriptive research
study with a self-report online survey design and was conducted among a
social media group. A 20-item data-collecting tool used in this study
consisted of four parts—demographic data section, questions about
participant’s job, questions pertaining to his wife’s breastfeeding, and
questions regarding his opinions and attitudes toward his female
physician colleagues. Results: Of the total, 45.5% of the participants
stated that they faced difficulties, as their female physician
colleagues were on breastfeeding leave. Moreover, 60.3% of the
participants asserted that they have always been supportive of their
colleagues with regard to using breastfeeding leave. Furthermore, we
noted an increase in the number of night shifts (negatively) and
supportive attitude toward the spouse (positively) and that the status
of the spouse using breastfeeding leaves (positively) affected the male
physician’s supportive attitude toward their female physician
colleagues. Conclusion: The physician fathers wanted to support their
colleagues in using their breastfeeding leave; however, they faced an
increasing amount of workload. Although it is obvious how important it
is for mothers to use maternity leave, the health of the remaining
workers should not be ignored.