Depressive symptoms in men immediately after birth

Implicit affectivity as the predictor of the relationship between paternal postpartum depression and self-stigma in fathers: A structural equation modeling analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the moderating role of the implicit affect in the relationship between postpartum depression and self-stigma.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 233 fathers using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), Self-Stigma of Depression Scale (SSDS), and Implicit Positive and Negative Affect Test (IPANAT) between July and August 2021. The structural equation model was used in data analysis.

RESULTS

Fathers received the following mean scores from the EPDS, SSDS, Implicit Positive Affect (IPA), and Implicit Negative Affect (INA) tests: 7.36 ± 5.55; 41.44 ± 10.04; 1.84 ± 0.62, and 2.50 ± 0.83, respectively. From the EPDS, 29.2% of the fathers received 10-30. It was found that postpartum depression negatively affects IPA (ß = -0.248, P < 0.001), whereas it positively affects SSDS (ß = 0.333, P < 0.001) and INA (ß = 0.344, P < 0.001). It was concluded that postpartum depression has a significant effect on the SSDS with the partial moderating role based on the IPA (ß = -0.298, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Postpartum depression is an important health problem in fathers. Implicit positive affect partially affects self-stigma in fathers with depressive symptoms. These results will guide the understanding of the stigmatization of fathers who experience depression during the transition to fatherhood.

A Feasibility Study of a Physical and Occupational Therapy-Led and Parent-Administered Program to Improve Parent Mental Health and Infant Development

AIMS

Extremely premature birth puts infants at high risk for developmental delay and results in parent anxiety and depression. The primary objective of this study was to characterize feasibility and acceptability of a therapist-led, parent-administered therapy and massage program designed to support parent mental health and infant development.

METHODS

A single cohort of 25 dyads - parents (24 mothers, 1 father) and extremely preterm (<28 wk gestation) infants - participated in the intervention. During hospitalization, parents attended weekly hands-on education sessions with a primary therapist. Parents received bi-weekly developmental support emails for 12 months post-discharge and were scheduled for 2 outpatient follow up visits. We collected measures of parent anxiety, depression, and competence at baseline, hospital discharge, and <4 and 12 months post-discharge.

RESULTS

All feasibility targets were met or exceeded at baseline and discharge (≥70%). Dyads participated in an average of 11 therapy sessions (range, 5-20) during hospitalization. Lower rates of data collection adherence were observed over successive follow ups (range, 40-76%). Parent-rated feasibility and acceptability scores were high at all time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Results support parent-rated feasibility and acceptability of the TEMPO intervention for extremely preterm infants and their parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Paternal perinatal depression: A concept analysis

AIM

Our aim is to clarify the concept of paternal perinatal depression including its definition, attributes, antecedents and consequences.

DESIGN

A concept analysis.

METHODS

To obtain relevant evidence, several databases were searched systematically including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library. Qualitative or quantitative articles published in English that focused on paternal perinatal depression were included. After the literature quality assessment, Walker and Avant's concept analysis strategy was used.

RESULTS

Five defining attributes (i.e. symptoms occur during the partner's pregnancy or 1-year postpartum and last at least 2 weeks, emotional symptoms, somatic symptoms, negative parenting behaviours and 'masked' symptoms), four antecedents (i.e. personal issues, pregnancy-related issues, infant-related issues, social issues) and three consequences (i.e. offspring outcomes, marital relationship, maternal negative emotions) were identified.

Screening for Partner Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Postpartum depression is a significant mental health condition affecting an estimated 7% to 20% of women, with higher rates among individuals with increased risk factors. Most research on postpartum depression has focused on mothers, with less recognition of the mental health changes experienced by their partners. Research suggests almost 20% of partners may experience postpartum depression, yet our understanding is limited. An enhanced understanding of postpartum depression in a birthing person's partner is critical, given the mental and physical health sequelae associated with depression.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this review was to systematically examine the current tools available to assess partner postpartum depression.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligible studies were identified using selected key terms in PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, and Ovid MEDLINE. Studies were included if they assessed partner depressive symptoms and identified the specified use of a tool or screening measure.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. Seven different measures were used to assess postpartum depression. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used in 16 out of the 17 studies for depression assessment.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Routine screening of partners for postpartum depression should be recommended as part of standard care. Nurses are critical liaisons for assessing risk and connecting relevant and timely resources to birthing people and their partners. Identifying the available screening tools may help to avoid adverse clinical outcomes associated with increased symptom severity and burden.