Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children
ALSPAC Pregnancy, Birth and Infancy (pregnancy to 12 months)
Partner's Questionnaire
alspac_91_pq
PARTNER'S QUESTIONNAIRE
This questionnaire asks about you and your feelings at this stage in your partner's pregnancy.
Your answers are confidential. Your name will not be on the questionnaire and none of the doctors or nurses you might see will know your answers.
Please answer all the questions you can. If there are any you cannot answer or do not wish to answer that is fine. Just leave them blank.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP
SECTION A: YOUR REACTIONS TO BECOMING A PARENT
How would you describe your reaction when you first found your partner was pregnant?
(tick one box only)
Does becoming a father mean giving up something that is important to you? Please add any extra comments you wish to make: ...
does becoming a father give you new opportunities and interests? Please add any extra comments you wish to make: ...
How do you feel about the pregnancy now?
(tick one box only)
Do you want a boy or girl?
Do you think your partner wants a boy or girl?
Have you decided on the names for the child yet?
Would you like to be with your partner while she has the baby?
SECTION B: ACTIVITIES AND LIFESTYLE
Compared with other men of your age, would you consider yourself to be:
Nowadays at least once a week do you engage in any regular activity like brisk walking, gardening, housework, jogging, cycling, etc. long enough to work up a sweat?
how many hours a week: ... hours
Do you eat the fat on meat?
When you have a soft drink, how often do you choose low calorie or diet soft drinks ?
How often, in a week, would you eat takeaway foods for your main meal? ... days
How many pieces of bread or rolls or chappatis do you eat on a usual day ?
What types of bread do you eat most days? white bread
What types of bread do you eat most days? brown/granary bread
What types of bread do you eat most days? wholemeal bread
What types of bread do you eat most days? chappatis, nan bread
What types of bread do you eat most days? don't usually eat any bread
How many slices of bread (or rolls) do you spread with butter, margarine etc and eat on a usual day? ... slices
How often do you have milk: In tea
How often do you have milk: In coffee
How often do you have milk: On breakfast cereal
How often do you have milk: As pudding (custard, rice)
How often do you have milk: To drink on its own
How often do you have milk: As a milky drink (Horlicks, cocoa, all milk coffee)
How many cups of tea do you drink in a day ? (do not include herbal teas) ... cups
How many spoons of sugar in each cup ? ... spoons
How many of the cups of tea you drink each day are decaffeinated? ... cups
How many cups of coffee do you drink in a day ? ... cups
How many spoons of sugar in each cup ? ... spoons
How many of the cups of coffee you drink each day are decaffeinated? ... cups
How many of the cups of coffee you drink each day are made using real coffee (ie. not instant)? ... cups
How many of the cups of real coffee were decaffeinated? ... cups
How many drinks of cola do you have in a week? ... drinks
How many of these drinks are decaffeinated? ... drinks
What type of water do you usually drink? Cold water in squashes etc or to drink on it's own: I usually use:
What type of water do you usually drink? Hot water in tea, coffee etc, I usually use:
Are you vegetarian or vegan?
for how many years have you been vegetarian/ vegan? ... years
Have you ever been a smoker?
If no, go to B17, on page 11.
at what age did you start smoking regularly? ... years
What was the maximum number of times a day you smoked?
Have you now stopped smoking?
how long ago? ... years, ... months
Did you smoke regularly at any time in the last 9 months?
how many times per day did you smoke - at the start of your partner's pregnancy?
how many times per day did you smoke - in the last 2 weeks?
What brand, type and strength of cigarette/tobacco do you usually smoke? brand:
What brand, type and strength of cigarette/tobacco do you usually smoke? type:
Please enclose an empty packet of your usual brand with this questionnaire.
How often have you taken the following in the past 3 months? amphetamines
How often have you taken the following in the past 3 months? barbiturates
How often have you taken the following in the past 3 months? crack
How often have you taken the following in the past 3 months? cocaine
How often have you taken the following in the past 3 months? heroin
How often have you taken the following in the past 3 months? methadone
How often have you taken the following in the past 3 months? ecstasy
How often have you taken the following in the past 3 months? other (please describe)
How often have you drunk alcoholic drinks? Before your partner became pregnant
How often have you drunk alcoholic drinks? In the past 3 months
How many days in the past month did you drink the equivalent of 2 pints of beer, 4 glasses of wine or 4 pub measures of spirit?
Which is the alcoholic drink you most often drink?
(tick one box only)
SECTION C: YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
How many of your relatives and your partner's relatives do you see at least twice a year?
About how many friends do you have ?
Overall, would you say you belong to a close circle of friends ?
How many people are there that you can talk to about personal problems?
How many people talk to you about their personal problems or their private feelings?
If you have to make an important decision, how many people are there with whom you can discuss it?
How many people are there among your family and friends from whom you could borrow £100 if you needed to?
How many of your family and friends would help you in times of trouble?
During the last month, how many times did you get together with one or more friends?
During the last month, how many times did you get together with one or more of your relatives or your partner's relatives?
The following statements are about the help and support you have.
I have no one to share my feelings with
My partner provides the emotional support I need
There are other fathers-to-be with whom I can share my experiences
I believe in moments of difficulty my neighbours would help me
I'm worried that my partner might leave me
There is always someone with whom I can share my happiness and excitement about my partner's pregnancy
If I feel tired I can rely on my partner to take over
If I was in financial difficulty I know my family would help if they could
If I was in financial difficulty I know my friends would help if they could
If all else fails I know the state will support and assist me
Do you believe in God or in some divine power?
Do you feel that God (or some divine power) has helped you at any time?
Would you appeal to God for help if you were in trouble?
What sort of religious faith would you say you had?
(tick one box only)
How long have you had this particular faith?
Do you go to a place of worship?
Do you obtain help and support from leaders or other members of religious groups? Leaders of your religious group (e.g. priests, rabbis, imams)
Do you obtain help and support from leaders or other members of religious groups? Other members of your religious group
Do you obtain help and support from leaders or other members of religious groups? Members of other religious group (please describe)
SECTION D: RECENT EVENTS
Listed below are a number of events which may have brought changes in your life. Have any of these occurred since your partner became pregnant? If so, please assess how much effect it had on you.
Since your partner became pregnant: Your parent died
Since your partner became pregnant: One of your children died
Since your partner became pregnant: A friend or relative died
Since your partner became pregnant: One of your children was ill
Since your partner became pregnant: Your partner was ill
Since your partner became pregnant: A friend or relative was ill
Since your partner became pregnant: You were admitted to hospital
Since your partner became pregnant: You were in trouble with the law
Since your partner became pregnant: You were divorced
Since your partner became pregnant: You found that your partner didn't want the child
Since your partner became pregnant: You were very ill
Since your partner became pregnant: Your partner lost her job
Since your partner became pregnant: Your partner had problems at work
Since your partner became pregnant: You had problems at work
Since your partner became pregnant: You lost your job
Since your partner became pregnant: Your partner went away
Since your partner became pregnant: Your partner was in trouble with the law
Since your partner became pregnant: You and your partner separated
Since your partner became pregnant: Your income was reduced
Since your partner became pregnant: You argued with your partner
Since your partner became pregnant: You had arguments with your family or friends
Since your partner became pregnant: You moved house
Since your partner became pregnant: Your partner hurt you
Since your partner became pregnant: You became homeless
Since your partner became pregnant: You had a major financial problem
Since your partner became pregnant: You got married
Since your partner became pregnant: Your partner hurt your children
Since your partner became pregnant: You attempted suicide
Since your partner became pregnant: You were convicted of an offence
Since your partner became pregnant: You thought your partner might miscarry
Since your partner became pregnant: You started a new job
Since your partner became pregnant: Your partner had a test to see if your baby was normal
Since your partner became pregnant: Your partner had a result on a test that suggested your baby might not be normal
Since your partner became pregnant: You were told that your partner was going to have twins
Since your partner became pregnant: You heard that something that had happened might be harmful to the baby
Since your partner became pregnant: You took an examination
Since your partner became pregnant: Your partner was emotionally cruel to you
Since your partner became pregnant: Your partner was emotionally cruel to your children
Since your partner became pregnant: Your house or car was burgled
Since your partner became pregnant: You had an accident
Is there anything else which is not on the list which has concerned you or required additional effort from you to cope?
How much did it affect you when your partner became pregnant?
SECTION E: YOUR FEELINGS
The following questions are about feelings. Please indicate the way you feel.
Do you feel upset for no obvious reason?
Do you get troubled by dizziness or shortness of breath?
Have you felt as though you might faint?
Do you feel sick or have indigestion?
Do you feel that life is too much effort?
Do you feel uneasy and restless?
Do you feel tingling or prickling sensations in your body, arms or legs?
Do you regret much of your past behaviour?
Do you sometimes feel panicky?
Do you find that you have little or no appetite?
Do you wake unusually early in the morning
Do you worry a lot?
Do you feel tired or exhausted?
Do you experience long periods of sadness?
Do you feel strung-up inside?
Can you get off to sleep alright?
Do you ever have the feeling you are going to pieces?
Do you often have excessive sweating or fluttering of the heart?
Do you find yourself needing to cry?
Do you have bad dreams which upset you when you wake up?
Do you lose the ability to feel sympathy for other?
Can you think quickly?
Do you have to make a special effort to face up to a crisis or difficulty?
Your feelings in the past week.
I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things:
In the past week:
I have looked forward with enjoyment to things:
I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong:
I have been anxious or worried for no good reason:
I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason:
Things have been getting on top of me:
In the past week:
I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping:
I have felt sad or miserable:
I have been so unhappy that I have been crying:
The thought of harming myself has occurred to me:
How frequently during her pregnancy has she been: Irritable
How frequently during her pregnancy has she been: Nervous
How frequently during her pregnancy has she been: Active
How frequently during her pregnancy has she been: In good health
How frequently during her pregnancy has she been: Communicative
How frequently during her pregnancy has she been: Able to think and concentrate
How frequently during her pregnancy has she been: Looking attractive
How frequently during the pregnancy have you been: Irritable
How frequently during the pregnancy have you been: Nervous
How frequently during the pregnancy have you been: Active
How frequently during the pregnancy have you been: In good health
How frequently during the pregnancy have you been: Communicative
How frequently during the pregnancy have you been: Able to think and concentrate
How frequently during the pregnancy have you been: Feeling attractive
SECTION F: EDUCATION AND OCCUPATION
What educational qualifications do you, your partner, your mother, and your father have? Please tick all that apply. Other (please describe)
[* by this we mean the mother figure or father figure who was mostly responsible for bringing you up]
Please tick all that apply.
What is the present employment situation of yourself and your partner? Other (please describe)
Please tick all that apply.
The questions below ask about your current occupation.
As far as you can, please describe the actual job, occupation, trade or profession. (Use precise terms such as radio mechanic, woodworking machinist, toolroom foreman. If the occupation is known by a special name, please use that name. If in H.M. Forces, give the rank in addition to the actual job. Please also describe the type of industry or service given: i.e. give details of what is made, materials used, or services given).
Your present job or last main job. Actual job, occupation, trade or profession
Your present job or last main job. Hours worked per week: (on average)
Your present job or last main job. Please tick which of the following apply to you:
Your present job or last main job. Type of industry or service given (main things done in job):
The main job your mother did at around the time you left school (Please put HW if she was a housewife) Actual job, occupation, trade or profession:
The main job your mother did at around the time you left school (Please put HW if she was a housewife) Type of industry or service given (main things done in job):
How old was your mother when you were born? ... years
(If you don't know, put 99)
Did she ever smoke cigarettes?
did she smoke when she was expecting you?
Is she still alive?
The main job your father did at around the time you left school Actual job, occupation, trade or profession:
The main job your father did at around the time you left school Please tick which of the following apply/applied to him
The main job your father did at around the time you left school Type of Industry or service given (main things done in job):
How old was your father when you were born? ... years
(If you don't know, put 99)
Did your father ever smoke?
Is he still alive?
How would you describe the race or ethnic group of yourself, your partner and your parents? Yourself
How would you describe the race or ethnic group of yourself, your partner and your parents? Partner
How would you describe the race or ethnic group of yourself, your partner and your parents? Your mother*
How would you describe the race or ethnic group of yourself, your partner and your parents? Your father*
(* by this we mean the mother or father who was mostly responsible for bringing you up)
SECTION G: YOUR OWN CHILDHOOD
Please indicate if any of the following events happened to you before you were 17 and how much it affected you.
Before you were 17: A parent died
Before you were 17: A brother or sister died
Before you were 17: A relative died
Before you were 17: A friend died
Before you were 17: A parent had a serious illness
Before you were 17: A parent was in hospital
Before you were 17: You had a serious physical illness
Before you were 17: You were in hospital
Before you were 17: Brother or sister had a serious illness
Before you were 17: Brother or sister was in hospital
Before you were 17: A parent had a serious accident
Before you were 17: You had a serious accident
Before you were 17: Brother or sister had a serious accident
Before you were 17: You acquired a physical deformity
Before you were 17: Your girlfriend became pregnant
Before you were 17: A parent was imprisoned
Before you were 17: A parent was physically cruel to you
Before you were 17: Your parents separated
Before you were 17: Your parents divorced
Before you were 17: A parent remarried
Before you were 17: A parent was emotionally cruel to you
Before you were 17: Your parents had serious arguments
Before you were 17: You were sexually abused
Before you were 17: A parent was mentally ill
Before you were 17: You discovered you were adopted
Before you were 17: Your family moved to a new district
Before you were 17: You were in trouble with the police
Before you were 17: You were expelled or suspended from school
Before you were 17: You failed an important exam
Before you were 17: Your family's financial circumstances got worse
Before you were 17: Other important happening (please tick & describe)
How many schools did you attend between the ages of 5 and 16? ... schools
Did you like school?
Was school a valuable experience for you?
Were you frequently away from school? before age 11
Were you frequently away from school? aged 11 or more
why was this? other (please tick and describe)
SECTION H: ABOUT YOU
In general: I feel insecure when I say goodbye to people
In general: I worry about the effect I have on other people
In general: I avoid saying what I think for fear of being rejected
In general: I feel uneasy meeting new people
In general: If others knew the real me, they would not like me
In general: I feel secure when I'm in a close relationship
In general: I don't get angry with people for fear that I may hurt them
In general: After a fight with a friend, I feel uncomfortable until I have made peace
In general: I am always aware of how other people feel
In general: I worry about being criticised for things I have said or done
In general: I always notice if someone doesn't respond to me
In general: I worry about losing someone close to me
In general: I feel that people generally like me
In general: I will do something I don't want to do rather than offend or upset someone
In general: I can only believe that something I have done is good when someone tells me
In general: I will go out of my way to please someone I am close to
In general: I feel anxious when I say goodbye to people
In general: I feel happy when someone compliments me
In general: I fear that my feelings will overwhelm me
In general: I can make other people feel happy
In general: I find it hard to get angry with people
In general: I worry about criticising people
In general: If someone is critical of something I do, I feel bad
In general: If other people knew what I am really like, they would think less of me
In general: I always expect criticism
In general: I can never be really sure if someone is pleased with me
In general: I don't like people to really know me
In general: If someone upsets me, I am not able to put it easily out of my mind
In general: I feel others do not understand me
In general: I worry about what others think of me
In general: I don't feel happy unless people I know admire me
In general: I am never rude to anyone
In general: I worry about hurting the feelings of other people
In general: I feel hurt when someone is angry with me
In general: My value as a person depends enormously on what others think of me
In general: I care about what people feel about me
SECTION I: BEING A PARENT
Below are a number of statements about how some people think a parent should behave with a baby. Please indicate how much you agree with them.
Babies should be picked up whenever they cry
It is important to develop a regular pattern of feeding and sleeping with a baby
Babies should be fed whenever they are hungry
Babies need to be stimulated if they are to develop well
Babies need quiet secure surroundings and should not be disturbed too much
Parents need to adapt their lives to the baby's demands
A baby should fit into its parents' routine
Babies should be left to develop naturally
Talking, to even a very young baby, is important
Cuddling a baby is very important
SECTION J: INFANT FEEDING
Below are some attitudes about infant feeding. Please indicate your views.
Breast-feeding stops a mother from having the freedom to do what she wants
Breast-feeding gives the mother a special relationship with her baby
Bottle feeding allows the father to share the child more
Bottle feeding is more convenient for the mother
A mother who does not breast feed is inferior
Breast-feeding is difficult
How would you like the baby to be fed?
Were you breast fed as a baby?
SECTION K
Please put the date of completing this questionnaire:
Please give your date of birth:
Space for any comments you might like to make:
VERY MANY THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP
Please remember, because this is strictly confidential, the people who look at this booklet will not know your name. They will be unable to give you any help or contact anyone after reading what you have written. If you feel you need advice, please feel free to contact our hotline (Bristol during office hours). Alternatively your General Practitioner should be able to advise you.
When completed, return the questionnaire to:
Dr. Jean Golding, Children of Nineties - ALSPAC, Institute of Child Health
If you smoke, please enclose an empty cigarette packet.