The Perspectives and Practices of Women on Paternity Fraud in Jamaica: Post COVID-19

Authors

  • Paul A. Bourne Department of Institutional Research, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
  • Pheonie Lewis Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
  • Kimberly Griffiths Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
  • Peta-Gay Coleman Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
  • Lyshanya Whitely Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
  • Avonelle Dennis Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
  • James Fallah Department of Dental Hygiene, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
  • Calvin Campbell Department of Mathematics and Engineering, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
  • Clifton Foster Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
  • Caroline McLean Department of Innovation and Simulation, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
  • Tabitha Muchee Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.
  • Advella L. Meikle Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, WI.

Abstract

Background: There is a lack of scientific research on Jamaican women’s perceptions of paternity fraud.

Aim: This study explores the prevalence of paternity fraud (jackets) in Jamaica and the reasons for some women committing paternity fraud.

Material and Method: This study used a primary cross-sectional survey design on Jamaican women's perceptions of paternity fraud. Researchers conducted online surveys using questionnaires and a stratified random sampling method to determine the sample size.

Results: The analysis of this study revealed that the most common reason for committing paternity fraud, as stated by 15.1% of women, was that "The man was financially stable. Of the total respondents, 64.1% of the women believe paternity testing should be mandatory in Jamaica, while 427 women oppose this view. 34.9% (n=413) condemned paternity fraud, and 51.6% (n=608) said that women who commit paternity fraud should receive punishment. Four hundred nineteen persons (n=608) said those women should receive a "monetary penalty", 122 persons said they should be "Imprisoned for a period to be stated by the judge", and the remainder said those women should not receive punishment.

Conclusions: Our main findings are that financial security is the primary determinant of paternity fraud. Though women generally condemn paternity fraud, most believe women who perform such acts should not receive punishment. The findings indicate the need for further research to understand women's perspectives on paternity fraud.

Downloads

Published

2023-02-10

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2023): International Journal of Humanities & Social Science: Insights & Transformations [ISSN: 2581-3587]

Section

Articles