Postpartum Depression In Fathers Research Articles

The unseen burden: the tangled web of paternal postpartum depression and childhood resilience

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health disorder that has received little attention (both clinically and experimentally) and is underdiagnosed. PPD is most associated with mothers after giving birth. However, it may also affect fathers for unknown reasons. Poverty, a family history of depression, and hormonal changes are all risk factors for PPD in fathers. Although not much is known about paternal PPD, research indicates that it is often 8.7% prevalent in the first year, peaking between 3 and 6 months after childbirth (9.2%).

Postpartum Depression in Fathers: A Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives: Postpartum depression is usually defined as a major depressive episode that occurs shortly after childbirth. This condition is most commonly found in females; however, paternal postpartum depression has begun to attract more research attention. This study aims to identify different instruments for measuring this mental health problem and to detect risk factors as well as the main sources of resilience in paternal postpartum depression. Methods: A literature review was conducted following the PRISMA method. Results: After analyzing 10 articles, it was determined that the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale is the most widely used instrument for the diagnosis of postpartum depression in the female population, and after several studies, it has already been validated for the male sex. After several studies were analyzed to highlight the main risk factors for paternal postpartum depression, it was established that the most influential factor is male gender role stress. These findings highlight the traditional role of fathers today. Most health professionals see the mother as the priority. Conclusions: Paternal depression is a major problem for mothers and fathers today, as well as for the newborn. As time goes on, there is a growing need to incorporate fathers into current and future mental health programs to be able to provide the necessary support.

Paternal depression in the postpartum year and children's behaviors at age 5 in an urban U.S. birth cohort.

To investigate associations between postpartum depression in fathers and children's behaviors at age 5 in a national high-risk U.S. sample. A secondary data analysis of 1,796 children in a national birth cohort study that oversampled non-marital births was conducted. Paternal depression was assessed 1 year after the child was born and children's behaviors were assessed by their primary caregivers when the children were 5 years old. Unadjusted and adjusted negative binomial regression models of associations between paternal depression and child behavior scores and logistic regression models of associations between paternal depression and high scores (at least 1.5 or 2.0 standard deviations above the mean) were estimated. In negative binomial regression models that adjusted for child, paternal, and family characteristics and maternal depression, paternal depression was associated with a 17% higher total externalizing behavior score (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR): 1.17; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.07-1.27), a 17% higher aggressive subscale score (IRR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.08-1.27), and an 18% higher delinquent subscale score (IRR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03-1.35). In adjusted logistic regression models for scores ≥2.0 standard deviations above the mean, paternal depression was associated with high total externalizing scores (e.g., Odds Ratio (OR): 3.09; 95% CI: 1.77-5.41), high aggressive behavior scores (OR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.30-4.43), and high delinquent behavior scores (OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.01-4.27). There were suggestive but non-robust associations between paternal depression and attention problems and no associations between paternal depression and internalizing behaviors or social problems. Fathers' depression at age 1 was associated with children's externalizing behaviors at age 5, an important developmental stage when children transition to school. These findings suggest a need to identify and support fathers with depressive symptoms to promote optimal child development.

Paternal postpartum depression scale

Postpartum depression in fathers has an impact on the harmony of household relationships, children's emotional development disorders, children's behavior disorders, even children can also be 2-4 times at risk of depression before adulthood. This study aims to review several instruments used to assess fathers' PPD (Postpartum Depression). The database used in this literature review is PubMed. Based on 10 studied, there are 9 different father PPD instruments, including EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), GMDS (Gotland Male Depression Scale), BDI (Beck Depression Inventory), BDI-II, GHQ-12 (General Health Questionnaire- 12), PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire - Depression Module) CES-D (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression), Zung SAS (Zung's Self-rated Anxiety Scale), and HAD-A (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. EPDS is an instrument most frequently used in detecting paternal PPD, appeared in 10 out of 10 studies. This study concludes that there are 9 different instruments for detecting PPD in the father, and the EPDS is the most frequently used instrument in detecting PPD in the father, which consists of 10 questions with a score limit of 10/11.

Exploring the Manifestation of Post-Partum Depression in Men

This qualitative study was designed to explore the manifestation of post-partum depression in men. There are growing number of fathers who undergo through this condition and are not self-aware because lack of recognition to this concept. This study found how men tend to experience this phenomenon and how it affects their lifestyle by using phenomenological approach. Purposive sampling was used to approach the sample. A sample of 15 participants were reached out through purposive sampling approached to screen out the symptoms of post-partum depression among men by using a screening tool of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Nine participants out of 15 were found to have post-partum depressive symptoms. Only 7 out of 9 participant’s data was taken in main study after reaching at saturation point from semi-structured interview. Collected responses were transcribed and themes were generated through reflective thematic analysis (Saldana, 2021; Barun & Clarck, 2019). From the analysis, four major themes were generated from the study; sense of un-involvement, chaotic experiences, transitional phase and partner induced post-partum depression. These themes were divided into sub-themes that thoroughly discussed the demonstration of this phenomenon in men. The study was intended to instill a great sense of awareness among the public about the phenomenon of post-partum depression in fathers that tends to exist.

Faktor – Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Depresi Postpartum pada Ayah : Literatur Review

Postpartum depression in fathers is currently receiving less attention compared to postpartum depression in mothers. Many studies primarily focus on postpartum depression in mothers. The prevalence of fathers experiencing postpartum depression is approximately 15.7% in the period after 1 year of childbirth compared to 3.6% in the period after 9 months postpartum. Several factors that predict the occurrence of postpartum depression in fathers include the relationship with their partners, lack of support from both family and friends, the pregnancy period, and sociodemographic factors (age, education, income). To examine several pieces of literature related to factors influencing the occurrence of Postpartum Depression in fathers. The method used in writing this article is a literature review found in health journal databases, such as PubMed. Articles selected are based on being full text, open access, and in the English language. A total of 158 articles were obtained, and out of those, 10 articles that met the criteria for factors influencing postpartum depression in fathers were available in full text and free access. Postpartum depression in fathers is a mental health disorder that cannot be ignored. Similar to postpartum depression in mothers, postpartum depression in fathers also needs special attention from healthcare professionals, family, partners, and the surrounding environment. In this regard, we will analyze several factors related to the causes and consequences of postpartum depression in fathers, as well as interventions that can be provided by healthcare professionals.

The influence of paternity leave uptake on parental post-partum depression: An ELFE cohort study

IntroductionMany countries are currently expanding their paternity leave policies, which have positive effects on parental mental health.ObjectivesWe examined whether two weeks of paid paternity leave are associated with post-partum depression (PPD) in mothers and fathers at two months after the birth of their child.MethodsData originated from The Etude Longitudinale Française depuis l’Enfance (ELFE) cohort study. A total of 10 975 fathers and 13 075 mothers with reported information on paternity leave and PPD at two months were included in the statistical analyses. Logistic regression models, using survey-weighted data and adjusted for confounders using Inverse Probability Weights (IPW), yielded Odds Ratios.ResultsFathers had a median age of 32∙6 (inter-quartile range (IQR) 36∙9 – 22∙6 years), and mothers had a median age of 30∙5 years (IQR 34∙0 – 27∙1 years) at the time of the ELFE child’s birth. Fathers who took paternity leave had reduced odds of PPD [0∙74 (95% CI: 0∙70 -0∙78)] as well as fathers who intended to take paternity leave [0∙76 (95 CI%: 0∙70 – 0∙82)] compared to fathers who did not take paternity leave. Mothers had an increased likelihood of PPD at two months if their partners took paternity leave [1∙13 (95 CI%: 1∙05 – 1∙20)]. Fathers’ educational level, work contract type nor the number of children in the family were found to be interactions (p>0.25).ConclusionsTaking and intending to take a two-week paid paternity leave is associated with lower odds of PPD in fathers. Mothers whose partners take paternity leave experience borderline higher odds of PPD at two months. Offering only a two-week paternity leave may protect fathers against PPD but does not significantly protect may increase mothers’ risk of against PPD onset.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Paternity leave uptake and parental post-partum depression: findings from the ELFE cohort study

Several countries are expanding their paternity leave policies, which can have positive effects on parental mental health. We examined whether 2 weeks of paid paternity leave are associated with post-partum depression in mothers and fathers at 2 months after the birth of their child. We used data from the Etude Longitudinale Française depuis l'Enfance (ELFE) cohort study. Participating mothers gave birth in 2011 in a representative sample of 320 maternity hospitals in mainland France. Inclusion criteria were single or twin livebirths born after at least 33 weeks' gestation; mother's age at least 18 years; no plans to leave metropolitan France within 3 years. Mothers were interviewed face-to-face shortly after the child's birth. Fathers and mothers were both interviewed by telephone 2 months after the child's birth, reporting whether the father had the right to paternity leave and if yes, if he had taken or intended to take it. We used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to assess post-partum depression among fathers and mothers at 2 months. Logistic regression models, using survey-weighted data and adjusted for confounders using inverse probability weights, yielded odds ratios (ORs). We included 10 975 fathers and 13 075 mothers with reported information on paternity leave and post-partum depression at 2 months in the statistical analyses. Fathers had a median age of 32·6 years (IQR 36·9-22·6) and mothers had a median age of 30·5 years (34·0-27·1) at the time of the ELFE child's birth. The prevalence of depression in fathers according to paternity leave status was 4·5% among those who used paternity leave, 4·8% among those who intended to use paternity leave, and 5·7% among those who did not use paternity leave. For mothers, the prevalence of post-partum depression was 16·1% among those whose partner used paternity leave, 15·1% among those whose partner intended to use paternity leave, and 15·3% among those whose partner did not use paternity leave. Fathers who took paternity leave had reduced odds of post-partum depression (OR 0·74 [95% CI 0·70-0·78]) as did fathers who intended to take paternity leave (0·76 [0·70-0·82]) compared with fathers who did not take paternity leave. However, we did not find such beneficial effects for mothers whose partners took (1·13 [1·05-1·20]) or intended to take paternity leave (1·02 [0·96-1·08]). Taking and intending to take 2-weeks' paid paternity leave was associated with a reduced likelihood of reporting post-partum depression in fathers. However, offering 2-weeks' paternity leave might place mothers at a greater risk of post-partum depression, suggesting that optimal length and timing of the leave, among other factors, need further investigation. The French National Research Agency.

Risk Factors of Prenatal and Postpartum Depression in Fathers: A Review Study

Background and Objective Depression is one of the most common mental disorders during pregnancy that can appear before or after delivery. Pregnancy is also a stressful phenomenon for fathers. Several factors can affect different aspects of paternal depression. This review study aims to investigate factors related to prenatal and postpartum depression in men. Materials & Method By using related keywords, a search was conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, SID, Magiran, ProQuest, Web of Science, IranDoc, and Cochrane Library, and Scopus on related studies. Finally, 60 studies were selected for the review. Results The findings were classified into three general categories: biological factors (age, baby’s gender, unplanned pregnancy, sleep disorders), psychological factors (economic anxiety, history of illness, maternal postpartum depression, use of antidepressants and tobacco), and social factors (lack of social support and marital disputes). Conclusion It seems that paying attention to these factors can improve paternal depression. However, in order to increase the knowledge of factors related to paternal depression in prenatal and postpartum periods, conducting studies with a qualitative approach is recommended.

A Review on Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in India and Its Management.

Postpartum depression is the term used for depression that predominates in the postpartum period, which is increasingly seen in research and clinical practice up to 1 year after delivery. Other symptoms commonly seen in women with postpartum depression include mood swings or lability and excessive worry about the baby. In addition, postpartum depression is often associated with anxiety disorders or significant anxiety symptoms. Women with a history of psychiatric illness are prone to postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a crucial psychological health ailment that confers a vast degree of disability in females and is often associated with significant emotional, behavioral, and cognitive dangers in children. It is a disorder that is often unrecognized and undertreated. Postpartum depression is a critical issue to be addressed because it interferes with a woman’s self-care and parenting. It also affects a child’s mental growth and development. For these reasons, evaluation of risk factors is required to consider every facet of postpartum depression in women. This article reviews the associated risk factors and management of postpartum depression in India. Traditional studies for risk factors in postpartum depression have typically categorized women according to a particular stage of pregnancy that follows them into postpartum depression. Pregnancy-associated risk factors are estimated during pregnancy and are looked up for their predictive association with postpartum depression defined by clinical diagnostic methods or self-report assessment. Treatment options include psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. The risk of postpartum depression in fathers also follows maternal postpartum depression. Paternal depressive disorder is associated with adverse effects on child development. Early intervention for postpartum depression and anxiety may decrease the severity and recurrence of symptoms as well as the negative effects on the baby's health and development.

The correlation between spousal support and postpartum depression in fathers.

This study was conducted using a descriptive design to examine the correlation between spousal support and postpartum depression (PPD) in fathers. The participants of the study were the fathers of infants born in the obstetrics and gynecology clinic of a state hospital affiliated with the Ministry of Health in a province in Turkey. It was determined that while the possibility of paternal PPD was lower in the early postpartum period (p < 0.001), it increased in the late postpartum period (p < 0.001). A negative statistically significant correlation was identified between the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores and the Spouse Support Scale (SSS) scores of the participants in the early postpartum period (p = 0.031). There was a highly negative significant correlation between late postpartum EPDS scores and the early (p < 0.001) and late period (p < 0.001) SSS scores. A highly negative significant correlation was observed between the mean score of the early spousal support period and the mean score of the late spousal support period (p < 0.001). In this study, spousal support decreased PPD in fathers. This study indicated the necessity of routinely screening men for PPD symptoms. Early diagnosis and spousal support would contribute to reducing early and late paternal PPD, thus protecting the family's integrity.

Investigating the link between sleep and postpartum depression in fathers utilizing subjective and objective sleep measures

BackgroundWhile fathers are at risk of developing poorer sleep and depressive symptoms in the postpartum period, they represent an understudied population in the literature. The present study aimed to explore the association between sleep and postpartum depressive symptoms in fathers using subjective and objective sleep measures. MethodsFifty-four fathers reporting no history of depression took part in this cross-sectional study. At 6 months postpartum, paternal sleep was assessed for 2 weeks utilizing a self-report daily sleep diary, a self-report perceived sleep quality rating, and actigraphy. In the same period, depressive symptoms in fathers were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D). ResultsRegression analyses showed that paternal subjective sleep variables captured by the sleep diary (total nocturnal sleep time and number of night awakenings) were not related to postpartum depressive symptoms. However, self-reported perceived sleep quality was significantly associated with postpartum depressive symptom severity in fathers independently of demographic variables related to depression. Alternatively, the objective sleep variables (total nocturnal sleep time, number of night awakenings, sleep efficiency, and wake after sleep onset), measured by actigraphy, did not demonstrate a significant relationship with paternal depression scores. ConclusionsThese findings highlight the importance of perceived sleep quality, along with better understanding its association with postpartum depressive symptoms. Implementing a multi-measure approach enabled us to expand our knowledge about how different facets of sleep relate to postpartum depression, specifically in fathers. The results have important implications for the development of clinical interventions targeting paternal sleep and mood in the postpartum period.

Postpartum Depression in Fathers and Associated Risk Factors: A Systematic Review

The postpartum period is a process that affects mothers and fathers mentally. In this systematic review, we aimed to investigate the literature on postpartum depression and elucidate the factors associated with depression in fathers/men; and eventually to draw attention to the subject. A literature search was conducted between April-May 2019 including qualitative and quantitative research articles published between 2009-2019 in Pubmed, Science Direct, EBSCOhost, Turkish Psychiatric Index and Ulakbim Medical Databases. A total of 18 articles in English (n = 17) and Turkish (n = 1) were included. The majority of studies were quantitative (n=17) and 1 had a qualitative design. 22.2% were carried out in the Americas, 61.1% in Europe and 16.7% in Asia. In 16 of the studies, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale was used to diagnose postpartum depression in fathers, and 4 of them assessed psychometric properties. According to the results of the findings, unemployment, age, economic status and social support were among the factors affecting postpartum depression in fathers. Besides the factors affecting the mothers such as age, education, social support, whether the pregnancy was planned, parenting stress, parental stress/sense of competence, quality of the relationship with the spouse, history of depression, number of people living at home; factors such as housing status, economic situation and unemployment affect postnatal depression in fathers. Since there was only one research article from Turkey, we believe that there is a need for research on this subject in our country.

Prevalence of prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers: A comprehensive meta-analysis of observational surveys

BackgroundIncreasing attention has been paid to maternal prenatal and postpartum depressive symptoms (depression thereafter), but little is known about the prevalence of paternal prenatal and postpartum depression. To fill this gap, the current study meta-analyzed the worldwide prevalence of prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers. MethodsStudies that reported paternal depression occurring between the first trimester and the first postpartum year were identified by searching both international (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and EMBASE) and Chinese (WanFang and CNKI) databases between their inception date and July 1, 2018. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals. ResultsForty-seven studies with 20,728 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of prenatal depression in fathers was 9.76% in all three trimesters, 13.59% in the first, 11.31% in the second and 10.12% in the third trimester. The prevalence of postpartum depression was 8.75% within a whole year, 8.98% within one-month, 7.82% between one- and three months, 9.23% between three months and six months and 8.40% between six months to twelve months after child-birth. The prevalence of paternal postpartum depression was moderated by year of publication, study area, age of fathers of ≥18 years, quality assessment score and mean age (all P<0.05). ConclusionsThis meta-analysis found that the prevalence of prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers was relatively common. Regular screening, effective prevention and appropriate treatment need to be implemented in this population.

Associations of paternal postpartum depressive symptoms and infant development in a Chinese longitudinal study

Although fathers actively provide infant care and support to their partners in modern societies, data on fathers’ difficulties and mental health problems is still limited. This study examined paternal postpartum depression and its adverse impact on infants, and the possible mediating role of father-infant attachment in the link between fathers’ depressive symptoms and infants’ outcomes. Pregnant women and their partners were recruited from the antenatal clinics of two public hospitals in Hong Kong. Information about paternal and maternal depression, paternal-infant attachment, and infant development were collected at antenatal period, 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Linear regression was employed to examine risk factors for paternal depression symptoms, and mediation analysis was conducted to examine the mediating mechanisms. 121 couples joined the longitudinal study and completed all the assessments. Paternal postpartum depression symptoms were associated with fathers’ prenatal depression symptoms, and mothers’ postpartum depression symptoms. Fathers with postpartum depression symptoms experienced reduced paternal-infant attachment, which also acted as mediators between postpartum depression in fathers and adverse infants’ social development. Effective assessment and interventions targeted at preventing or identifying and reducing paternal postpartum depression and improving father-infant relationship would help to lower the risk of infant disorders and poor development. Strategies improving the fathers’ mental health during antenatal period and their partner’s psychosocial well-being may also reduce paternal postpartum depression.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Postpartum Depression in Fathers: A Regional, Longitudinal Study in Japan.

Paternal postpartum depression may affect not only the mental health and wellbeing of fathers but their partners and children. We investigated the point and period prevalence of paternal postpartum depression and its association with factors measured during pregnancy in a regional longitudinal study in Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, between December 1, 2012, and April 30, 2013. Data were collected once in pregnancy and five times in the first three months postpartum. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to assess paternal depression, and data were collected in pregnancy on demographic and psychosocial factors. Of 215 fathers who returned at least one of the five postpartum assessments, 36 (17%) reported symptoms of depression in the first three months after birth. In logistic regression analyses, among a number of demographic and psychosocial characteristics that previously had been linked to paternal postpartum depression, only fathers' history of psychiatric treatment and depressive symptoms during pregnancy were associated with paternal depressive symptoms in the postnatal period. The results add to the growing body of evidence on prevalence of paternal postnatal depression and indicate that assessment and support for fathers are important starting in pregnancy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in Fathers in the City of Elbasan

This study makes an exploration of Postpartum Depression symptoms of fathers in the city of Elbasan. The aim of this study is the recognition of the existence of Postpartum Depression in fathers identifying them in the picture of the symptoms. The study sample consisted of 40 fathers who had a maximum of a year that became parents, with a stable job and the average educational level of formation. Sample selection was carried out in public kindergartens number 1 (one) and 2 (two) in the city of Elbasan. For the methodology of this study are used quantitative methods. The collection of data for this study was conducted in a period of about four months, during the months of February, March, April, May, 2015. The instruments used in this study are the Beck Depression Inventory, Postpartum Depression Scale Edingurgh. Beck Depression Inventory and Edingurgh rate were used as tools because both measure Postpartum Depression Depression and that has the same picture symptoms episode of major depression with the only change the time of development. Instruments that are used to obtain the data necessary to test hypotheses raised in this study were initially piloted before applying them in the final stage. Results of this study showed that 85% of fathers taken in the study showed symptoms of postpartum depression as dissatisfaction with the activities, criticism of themselves, concern / irritability, changes in sleep, lack of interest in people / activities, lack of energy, fatigue, hesitancy in decision making, feelings of guilt, difficulty concentrating, pessimism, frustration, failures of the past, sorrow. The study suggests that measures should be taken for public awareness of the symptoms of postpartum depression are present and in fathers and the Postpartum Depression is not attributed only to women.

The Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in Fathers in the City of Elbasan

This study makes an exploration of Postpartum Depression symptoms of fathers in the city of Elbasan. The aim of this study is the recognition of the existence of Postpartum Depression in fathers identifying them in the picture of the symptoms. The study sample consisted of 40 fathers who had a maximum of a year that became parents, with a stable job and the average educational level of formation. Sample selection was carried out in public kindergartens number 1 (one) and 2 (two) in the city of Elbasan. For the methodology of this study are used quantitative methods. The collection of data for this study was conducted in a period of about four months, during the months of February, March, April, May, 2015. The instruments used in this study are the Beck Depression Inventory, Postpartum Depression Scale Edingurgh. Beck Depression Inventory and Edingurgh rate were used as tools because both measure Postpartum Depression Depression and that has the same picture symptoms episode of major depression with the only change the time of development. Instruments that are used to obtain the data necessary to test hypotheses raised in this study were initially piloted before applying them in the final stage. Results of this study showed that 85% of fathers taken in the study showed symptoms of postpartum depression as dissatisfaction with the activities, criticism of themselves, concern / irritability, changes in sleep, lack of interest in people / activities, lack of energy, fatigue, hesitancy in decision making, feelings of guilt, difficulty concentrating, pessimism, frustration, failures of the past, sorrow. The study suggests that measures should be taken for public awareness of the symptoms of postpartum depression are present and in fathers and the Postpartum Depression is not attributed only to women.

New parents' experiences of postpartum depression - a systematic review of qualitative evidence

New parents' experiences of postpartum depression - a systematic review of qualitative evidence

New parentsʼ experiences of postpartum depression - a systematic review of qualitative evidence

New parentsʼ experiences of postpartum depression - a systematic review of qualitative evidence