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Álvarez-García P, García-Fernández R, Martín-Vázquez C, Calvo-Ayuso N, Quiroga-Sánchez E. Postpartum Depression in Fathers: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2949. [PMID: 38792491 PMCID: PMC11122550 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rubén García-Fernández
- SALBIS Research Group, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de Ponferrada, Universidad de León, 24401 León, Spain; (N.C.-A.); (E.Q.-S.)
- Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Nursing School of Lisbon, 1600-190 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristian Martín-Vázquez
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Campus de Ponferrada, Universidad de León, 24401 León, Spain;
| | - Natalia Calvo-Ayuso
- SALBIS Research Group, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de Ponferrada, Universidad de León, 24401 León, Spain; (N.C.-A.); (E.Q.-S.)
| | - Enedina Quiroga-Sánchez
- SALBIS Research Group, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de Ponferrada, Universidad de León, 24401 León, Spain; (N.C.-A.); (E.Q.-S.)
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Wainwright S, Caskey R, Rodriguez A, Holicky A, Wagner-Schuman M, Glassgow AE. Screening fathers for postpartum depression in a maternal-child health clinic: a program evaluation in a midwest urban academic medical center. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:675. [PMID: 37726664 PMCID: PMC10508033 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05966-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum depression (PPD) impacts fathers as well as mothers, and is estimated to affect between 8 and 13% of fathers. Paternal PPD is a risk factor for worsened quality of life, poor physical and mental health, and developmental and relational harms in the father-mother-child triad. There are no current recommendations for PPD screening among fathers. Paternal PPD screening was piloted in an intergenerational postpartum primary care clinic. METHODS The pilot was carried out in an intergenerational postpartum primary care clinic located at a Midwest urban academic safety net health system from October 2021 to July 2022. Fathers actively involved in relationships with mothers or infants receiving primary care in the clinic were approached with mothers' permission. A novel survey instrument was used to collect demographic/social data, as well as mental health history and current stress levels; an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was also administered. Screenings were completed by social workers; data were collected in REDCap and descriptive statistics were calculated in SAS. RESULTS 29 fathers were contacted and 24 completed screening (83%). Mean age was 31 years (range 19-48). Most (87%) identified as belonging to a racial or ethnic minority group. Fathers self-reported low rates of stress and preexisting mental health conditions, but 30% screened positive for PPD on EPDS (score of ≥ 8, or suicidal ideation). Gaps in health care were found, as one-quarter (26%) of fathers were uninsured and half (54%) did not have a primary care provider. After screening, two requested mental health services, and three established new primary care with a physician. CONCLUSIONS Participation was high in a PPD screening pilot for fathers in a primary care setting. This small sample of fathers demonstrated significant peripartum mental health challenges unlikely to have been identified otherwise. For some participants, engaging in PPD screening was an effective tool to prompt their subsequent engagement with general health care. This pilot is a step toward incorporating the health of fathers into models for supporting the health of families. Expanding screening for paternal PPD into routine primary care is necessary to reach more affected fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Wainwright
- Division of Academic Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 820 S. Wood Street, CSN 440, M/C 718, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Rachel Caskey
- Division of Academic Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 820 S. Wood Street, CSN 440, M/C 718, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Aida Rodriguez
- Division of Academic Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 820 S. Wood Street, CSN 440, M/C 718, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Abigail Holicky
- Division of Academic Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 820 S. Wood Street, CSN 440, M/C 718, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Melissa Wagner-Schuman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anne Elizabeth Glassgow
- Division of Academic Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 820 S. Wood Street, CSN 440, M/C 718, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Short S, Davis PE, Gheyoh Ndzi E. An exploration of masculinity, social support and depression in new and experienced fathers. Midwifery 2023; 123:103715. [PMID: 37220678 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the relationship between masculinity, perceived social support and depression symptomology in the postpartum period in new and experienced fathers. DESIGN Cross-sectional questionnaire study. PARTICIPANTS A total of 118 first- and second-time fathers (N = 48) of infants aged under 12-months, currently residing in the United Kingdom. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS Questionnaires consisted of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were analysed through inferential statistics. KEY CONCLUSIONS Masculine norms of self-reliance and primacy of work were positively related to depression symptomology in both father groups. Perceived social support was negatively related to depression symptomology. Further analyses revealed significant effects regarding partner health status and depression symptomology. No significant differences were found between presentation of first- and second-time fathers. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Main findings support partners as a part of the family unit. Findings have implications for midwives in that an increased understanding of these factors in early fatherhood could improve family outcomes.
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Kawamura E, Asano M. Changes, differences, and factors of parenthood in high-risk pregnant women and their partners in Japan. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:205. [PMID: 36964602 PMCID: PMC10037369 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05519-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Various stressors exists for pregnant women worldwide, especially negative social and environmental influences that can increase the number of high-risk pregnant women. These may cause a difficult transition to parenthood for women and their partners. However, limited studies have focused on and examined parenthood. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the changes in parenthood from pregnancy to post-discharge after childbirth among high-risk pregnant women and their partners, as well as the presence or absence of gender differences and the factors associated with parenthood. Methods This longitudinal quantitative study used a self-administered anonymous questionnaire distributed among 127 pregnant women and their partners who visited a high-risk pregnant outpatient clinic. The Scale of Early Childrearing Parenthood (SECP; three subareas, 33 items) was administered thrice: during pregnancy (T1), after childbirth (T2), and after discharge (T3). Results The analysis included 85 T1 (37 fathers and 48 mothers), 36 T2 (13 fathers and 23 mothers), and 31 T3 (11 fathers and 20 mothers) responses. There was a significant increase in the SECP scores for both parents from T1 to T3. Mothers had a greater increase in the SECP scores from T1 to T2 than fathers. In addition, fathers’ mean SECP scores at T1 and T2 were higher compared with those of the mothers. Mothers’ and fathers’ SECP scores at each time point showed no significant differences. At all time points, the SECP scores were commonly and significantly associated with infertility treatment, physical and mental condition, postpartum depression at T2, and parenting stress at T3. Conclusions Because parenthood in the infertility treatment group was significantly higher throughout the series, we need to support such couples so that childbirth does not become their main goal. We suggest interventions for factors that impede parenthood development, understand the various backgrounds of the parents, and support the couple individually while also considering them as a unit. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-023-05519-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriko Kawamura
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XNagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-20 Daiko Minami, Higashi-Ku, Nagoya, Aichi 461-8673 Japan
| | - Midori Asano
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XNagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-20 Daiko Minami, Higashi-Ku, Nagoya, Aichi 461-8673 Japan
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Cheung RYM, Cheng WY, Li JB, Lau EYH, Chung KKH. Mothers' and fathers' stress and severity of depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: actor-partner effects with parental negative emotions as a moderator. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:294. [PMID: 36494754 PMCID: PMC9733008 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-01016-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the face of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, families with young children are bombarded with new challenges and stressors. This study examined the additive and interactive effects of parental stress and negative emotions during COVID-19 on parents' severity of depressive symptoms. METHODS Participants were 221 Chinese families involving maritally intact mothers and fathers of preschool-aged children. DISCUSSION Path analysis indicated that mothers' parental stress interacted with their negative emotions, such that their stress was related to their severity of depressive symptoms only when negative emotions were high. By comparison, fathers' stress and negative emotions were additively associated with their severity of depressive symptoms. Supporting the cumulative risk model, parental stress during COVID-19 and negative emotions were linked to parents' severity of depressive symptoms additively or interactively, depending on the gender of the parent. These findings inform practitioners about the relevance of parents' stress and negative emotions to their severity of depressive symptoms during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Y. M. Cheung
- grid.419993.f0000 0004 1799 6254Centre for Child and Family Science, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR ,grid.9435.b0000 0004 0457 9566School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Wing Yee Cheng
- grid.419993.f0000 0004 1799 6254Centre for Child and Family Science, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Jian-Bin Li
- grid.419993.f0000 0004 1799 6254Centre for Child and Family Science, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR ,grid.419993.f0000 0004 1799 6254Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Eva Yi Hung Lau
- grid.419993.f0000 0004 1799 6254Centre for Child and Family Science, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR ,grid.419993.f0000 0004 1799 6254Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Kevin Kien Hoa Chung
- grid.419993.f0000 0004 1799 6254Centre for Child and Family Science, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR ,grid.419993.f0000 0004 1799 6254Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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Roberts JP, Satherley RM, Iles J. It’s time to talk fathers: The impact of paternal depression on parenting style and child development during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1044664. [DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1044664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to understand the relationship between paternal depression, parenting behavior and child developmental outcomes during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) pandemic. In addition, the paternal experience of the pandemic, such as the impact of lockdowns, was explored. Fathers of children aged 6–11 years old (n = 87) were recruited for an online cross-sectional survey. Data was collected through questionnaires and open-ended comments. Regression analysis indicated a higher level of self-reported depressive symptomology in fathers more severely impacted by the pandemic across financial, familial and health domains. Further, COVID-19 impact, but not paternal depression, was linked to fewer authoritative parenting behaviors, characterized as lower warmth and responsiveness. Paternal pandemic impact and depression symptoms were independently predictive of child cognitive scores, and both were associated with emotional and behavioral outcomes. A content analysis of open-ended responses from fathers noted that concerns for their children, work and mental health were most prevalent during the pandemic. However, several responders also reported no change or positive facets of lockdowns related to the pandemic. These finds are discussed in the context of a possible behavioural mechanism of action accounting for the effect of these factors on child development. Clinical implications include targeted interventions for at risk groups as well as psychoeducation for fathers that acknowledge difference in paternal coping and support seeking.
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Davenport C, Lambie J, Owen C, Swami V. Fathers’ experiences of depression during the perinatal period: a qualitative systematic review. JBI Evid Synth 2022; 20:2244-2302. [DOI: 10.11124/jbies-21-00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Prevalence and associated factors of paternal stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in the early postnatal period. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2022; 9:306-321. [PMID: 36561920 PMCID: PMC9768414 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2022.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The changes experienced during the transition to first-time or subsequent fatherhood are mainly positive; however, fathers can also experience adverse mental health outcomes such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of paternal stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in the early postnatal period. METHODS A quantitative, descriptive correlational design was used. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire comprising of the Perceived Stress Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. RESULTS A total of 336 fathers were included in the study. The prevalence rates were 41.1% (n = 138) for moderate/high stress symptoms, 20.8% (n = 70) for state anxiety symptoms, 25.9% (n = 87) for trait anxiety symptoms, and 13.4% (n = 45) for depression symptoms. In the multivariable analysis, several factors were associated with increased stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms including being a subsequent father (p = 0.009), not living in a house (p = 0.009), having a history of adverse mental health (p = 0.008), and having a partner with a history of anxiety (p = 0.040). CONCLUSION The findings suggest that fathers are at risk of adverse mental health in the early postnatal period which is a pivotal time for fathers in terms of bonding with their infant and redefining their relationship with their partner.
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