Wedajo LF, Alemu SS, Tola MA, Teferi SM. Paternal postnatal depression and associated factors: Community-based cross-sectional study.
SAGE Open Med 2023;
11:20503121231208265. [PMID:
37915842 PMCID:
PMC10617258 DOI:
10.1177/20503121231208265]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Paternal postnatal depression is a type of depression that occurs among male partners after childbirth. Although the problem has a multidimensional impact, there is limited data in low-income countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to uncover this problem in the study setting.
Objective
To assess paternal postnatal depression and associated factors.
Method and study period
A community-based cross-sectional study was employed from April 1 to 30, 2023, among 423 fathers in Mattu Town, Southwest Ethiopia. A face-to-face interviewer administered a structured questionnaire prepared by the Open Data Kit tool. The study participants were selected by simple random sampling techniques. A binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used. Both crude and adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval were calculated, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was used.
Result
Among 423 fathers, 412 participated, making the response rate 97.40%. The prevalence of paternal postnatal depression was 29.37% (95% confidence interval: 24.95%, 31.25). The poor wealth index (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.67; 95% confidence interval: 1.88, 3.14), loneliness (AOR: 1.81; 95% confidence interval: 1.20, 3.20), poor social support (AOR: 6.08; 95% confidence interval: 2.55, 14.48), feeling of family income stress (AOR: 3.22; 95% confidence interval: 1.89, 5.50), and history of adverse pregnancy outcome (AOR: 3.00; 95% confidence interval: 1.62, 0.59) were significant associated factors at p-value less than 0.05.
Conclusions
The study identified nearly 3 in 10 fathers suffering from paternal postnatal depression. Therefore, the Ministry of Health and other concerned bodies should focus on this population group to alleviate it. In addition, health professionals and extension workers should provide evidence-based care plans based on the identified factors.
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