Relationship between paternal postnatal depression and its predictors factors among Iranian fathers

Abstract

Background: Paternal postnatal depression (PPND) is widely overlooked despite being the most common mental health disorder among fathers in the postpartum period, and it affects all aspects of family life, particularly the relationship with the spouse and children.

Objective: To determine the predictor factors of PPND. Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was performed on 400 fathers of children aged six weeks to one-year referring to the healthcare centers. Data were collected using a demographic characteristics form and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22.

Results: The mean EPDS score was 6/54± 4.3, the mean age of the studied fathers was 35 ± 5.4, and 57.7% had experienced more than one pregnancy with their spouses. There was a significant relationship (P>0.05) between the education level and the EPDS score. According to linear regression, the most influential factors on EPDS score included satisfaction with life and general health, as well as an unwanted pregnancy amongst maternal fertility characteristics.

Conclusion: Determining the predictor/related factors with paternal postnatal depression helped us to identify at risk fathers promptly, to manage earlier, and to prevent the adverse effects of PPND on family health and relationship.