Expectations and Utilization of Paternity Leave Among Male Partners in a Postpartum Public Hospital Setting in Los Angeles, California.

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To examine paternity leave availability and leave-taking intentions among male partners of postpartum patients in a public county hospital and explore factors linked to not taking leave. <b>Methods.</b> We conducted an exploratory, cross-sectional survey of male partners of patients delivering at Los Angeles General Medical Center (November 2022-July 2023). Surveys assessed sociodemographic characteristics, workplace leave policies, leave duration, and leave-taking intentions. Multivariable logistic regression of characteristics linked to leave-taking were restricted to employed respondents. <b>Results.</b> We surveyed 100 respondents. Among employed respondents (n = 93), 39% reported no workplace paternity leave policy. Among those with known policies (n = 76), 47% had zero weeks available and 39% did not plan to take any leave. Although not intending to take leave was more common among non-English-speaking respondents and those without health insurance, having no paid leave policy was the primary predictor of not intending to take leave. <b>Conclusions.</b> More than one third of fathers from a primarily Hispanic/Latino-serving public safety net hospital reported not having a workplace paternity leave policy. Access to employment-based leave policy may underlie disparities in paternal leave-taking. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2026;116(8):1130-1135. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308556).