BACKGROUND:
Childbirth preparation programs contribute to strengthening the role of fathers as participating, caring and emotionally supportive parents beyond the traditional and patriarchal role.

OBJECTIVES:
This study aims to examine the impact of the "Father-Sensitive Childbirth Preparation Program" (FS-CPP) on the prenatal attachment levels of expectant fathers.

METHODS:
This study was designed as a single-blind, randomised controlled trial, conducted between February 1-October 1, 2024, in Mersin, Türkiye. Total of 99 expectant fathers, whose partners were in their first pregnancy with 20-32 gestational weeks and who were becoming fathers for the first time, were included. Participants were randomised into two groups: the FS-CPP group (n=50) and the standard Childbirth Preparation Program (CPP) group (n=49). Both groups received a total of 12 hours of childbirth preparation education, consisting of four sessions, each lasting three hours. The FS-CPP group received the "Father-Sensitive Childbirth Preparation Program," while the control group received the standard "Childbirth Preparation Program." Descriptive characteristics of the participants were collected using the "Descriptive Information Form," and pre-test and post-test data were collected using the "Prenatal Father Attachment Scale" (PFAS). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and t-tests for dependent and independent groups.

RESULTS:
The results revealed that the expectant fathers in the FS-CPP group showed a significant increase in their total PFAS scores as well as in the subscales of "Quality of Attachment" and "Time Spent in Attachment" following the intervention (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:
These findings suggest that midwives, as key providers of family-centered care during the prenatal period, can make significant contributions to the development of interventions that promote paternal involvement and strengthen attachment in childbirth preparation services. The FS-CPP is considered an effective method for enhancing prenatal attachment levels in expectant fathers.

KEY MESSAGE:
Counseling-based approaches that go beyond the transfer of information and support emotional awareness and attachment should be adopted in preparing fathers-to-be for parenthood. Poster session 1 (Group A)