572Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effect of an Educational Intervention on Paternal Postpartum Depression Risk

Abstract

Abstract Background Postpartum paternal depression (PPPD) is under-acknowledged worldwide compared to maternal depression, despite PPPD prevalence being reported to be just as high. Although PPPD has clear health consequences, even on other family members, preventive methods have been under-studied. We investigated the association between an educational intervention and risk of PPPD. Methods We performed a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial in an obstetrics clinic in Japan that included expecting fathers and their pregnant partners at 28-32 weeks gestation. The intervention comprised an educational booklet created for fathers that was distributed during pregnancy. For the primary outcome, Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was administered at one and three months post-delivery, and EPDS of 8 or greater was considered at risk for depression. Results In total, the intervention and control groups comprised 286 and 282 couples, respectively. At follow-up, depressive symptoms were observed in 7.2% of fathers in the intervention group and 9.8% in the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36-1.36). Logistic regression in an adjusted analysis showed a reduced, but non-significant risk of PPPD (odds ratio=0.61, 95% confidence interval=0.31-1.20). Conclusions In the first PPPD intervention study of its kind in Japan, our study suggests that distributing the educational booklet to fathers may be helpful in general, but may not be enough to significantly influence the risk of a major condition like PPPD. Key messages A more personalized preventive approach beyond the simple administration of a booklet may be necessary to significantly impact PPPD occurrences.