This study aims to determine the knowledge and roles of fathers in Zamboanga City with regards to their wives breastfeeding their child as well as to their attitudes towards the process. This study utilizes a descriptive, cross-sectional research design. Random sampling was used to choose two out of the sixteen lying in centers in the city, one from each district. The chosen lying in clinics through random sampling were visited to determine the number of mothers that has delivered within 2 years of the study. The research participants were fathers of the children that were delivered in the lying-in clinics in the past two years. A total of 263 fathers were selected through purposive sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data from the respondents to include their socio-demographic data, their knowledge, attitudes, and perceived roles with regards to breastfeeding. The results of the study showed that selected fathers in Zamboanga city have a high level of knowledge, positive attitudes, and are involved with regards to breastfeeding However, gaps were identified with regards to acceptance of formula feeding as well as gender roles, to which some fathers believe that breastfeeding is solely the responsibility of the mother. The researcher then concludes that fathers in Zamboanga City are knowledgeable in the topic of breastfeeding, and have a positive attitude towards breastfeeding. They also are able to involve themselves in the process. The researcher recommends the implementation of breastfeeding programs that would involve fathers with focus/emphasis on difference of breastmilk and formula milk in terms of the benefits as well as gender roles.

Keyword: Knowledge, roles, and attitude on breastfeeding Selected fathers