By David Opinko

Study: How the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Canadian fathers

Jun 17, 2020 | 11:14 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Just in time for Father’s Day, the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF) has released a new study on how the public health crisis has impacted their relationships with their families as well as their own mental and physical health.

They spoke with 1,019 fathers from across the country between May 8-11, spanning the ages of 19 to 74.

Approximately 40 per cent said COVID-19 has had a positive impact on their role as a father, another 40 per cent felt it has not changed much, while about 20 per cent report that things have gotten worse.

On the positive side, many said they have enjoyed getting to spend more time with their children and having a greater involvement in their lives.

Over half of Albertan respondents have had more meals with their children (63.7%), spent more time talking with them (52.4%), and watching shows together (51.6%). As well, 45.2% helped out with their children’s homework more often and played video games or sports.

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A slight majority have done a greater share of household chores over the last few months.

“If the COVID-19 lockdown accelerates the movement of dads to be more engaged with their children, that could be a lasting benefit from a tragic public health crisis,” said Dr. Larry Goldenberg, Founding Chair of CMHF. “It is clear, however, that men realize it will be a challenge to continue spending quality time with their families once the daily stresses of commuting and working long hours are reintroduced to their lives.”

However, a common theme amongst some fathers is that they feel more tired, stressed, or do not feel like they have a purpose in life.

Several Canadian fathers feel the pandemic has had a negative impact on their overall physical health (49.3%), their overall mental health (51%), and their romantic relationships (32%)

Men’s Health Week runs from June 15-21. In the spirit of that, the CMHF says supporting your father could be as simple as giving him a hug.

You can use the hashtag #MensHealthWeek to share your fatherhood experiences or of those with your father.

More stats from the CMHF study can be found here.

A snapshot of some of the study’s findings. (Canadian Men’s Health Foundation)