Prevalence of paternal postpartum depression in China and its association with maternal postpartum depression: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

To estimate the national prevalence of paternal postpartum depression in China and evaluate its association with maternal postpartum depression. Methods: Systematic literature searches were conducted in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wangfang Database, Chinese science & technology journal database (VIP) and SinoMed database. The articles reported the prevalence of paternal postpartum depression in China were collected from inception to October 1, 2015. Random effect models were used to calculate pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analysis were undertaken by period of measurement, case identification, study location and study quality. Results: Fourteen studies with a total sample size of 3 819 partners were included in this study. The pooled estimate of paternal postpartum depression was 13.6% (95% CI 8.7%-21.3%). The Pearson correlation coefficien between maternal PPD and paternal PPD was 0.295 (95% CI 0.218-0.367). The subgroup analysis showed that the estimates of paternal PPD in 0-5+6 weeks postpartum, 6-8 weeks postpartum and 8+1-24 weeks postpartum were 28.7%, 11.4% and 5.5%, respectively; when the rating scale was used as case identification method, the estimate of paternal PPD was 16.8%, and it was 4.1% when interview was used. The estimate of paternal PPD in inner areas was 22.2%, in coastal areas was 13.3% and in Hongkong/Taiwan was 7.8%. In studies with lower quality, the estimate of paternal PPD was 23.0%, and it was 9.1% in studies with higher quality. Conclusion: The national prevalence of paternal postpartum depression in China was at a high level, particularly during the postpartum 0-5+6 weeks. Paternal postpartum depression also showed a moderate positive correlation with maternal postpartum depression.