Main outcome measure: Child scores on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and on a set of Derived Outcome Indices, measured when the child was 4-5 years old. Logistic regression modelling was used to investigate how early paternal depression in 2004 influenced child outcomes 4 years later.Results: Early paternal depression was a significant predictor of a range of poorer child outcomes (odds ratio [OR] Conclusions: Depression in fathers during the first year of a child's life can have a detrimental impact on their child's behaviour, and social and emotional development at the point of school entry, in addition to and uniquely compared with depression in mothers. Early intervention to identify and address the mental health needs of fathers is required for the benefit of fathers, children and families.
Abstract
Richard J FletcherPhD, Senior Lecturer, Family Action Centre
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