Paternal Postnatal Depression During COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Health Care Providers

Abstract

Background: The fast spread of COVID-19 can cause some psychological disorders for men. One of the psychological disorders is paternal postpartum depression (PPD). The aim of the present research was to review studies that have investigated paternal postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: For this narrative review, databases such as Google Scholar, Scientific Information Databases (SID), Magiran, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for the full texts of published studies in the Persian and English languages in the period of 2019 to 2021. Finally, 3 articles were selected and reviewed in this study. Results: The results of this review study were classified into 3 main categories such as (1) The psychological status of men during the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) The effect of paternal PPD on children’s development and family psychological status during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (3) The role of healthcare providers in the management of paternal PPD. The findings of the studies showed that paternal PPD increases the rate of child maltreatment, maternal depression, and domestic violence. The promotion of the interpersonal skills of healthcare providers with fathers suffering from depression or psychological problems is the determinant factor of successful results. Conclusions: The results showed that paternal PPD has a wide range of consequences in this pandemic. Therefore, it would be recommended that healthcare staff have close contact with families and screen fathers for paternal PPD during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Screening for Partner Postpartum Depression

“…Segre et al (2010) found that patients interviewed about PPD screening felt it acceptable for nurses to lead mental health screening and counseling practices. Nurses, in both inpatient and ambulatory settings, are critical liaisons for matching patients and family members with proper referrals and available resources (Yazdanpanahi et al, 2022). Nurses are adept at identifying early concerns and promoting information and education that could prepare families for potentially challenging emotions during pregnancy and postpartum.…”

Giving Birth in Unpredictable Conditions: Association between Parents’ COVID-19 Related Concerns, Family Functioning, Dyadic Coping, Perceived Social Support and Depressive Symptoms

“…Lockdowns and teleworking caused family–work conflict and led to lower work satisfaction and efficiency for women than men [ 59 ]. Furthermore, under the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, women seem to be more worried about their loved ones and the family, which may interfere in their perceived family functioning, while men are more occupied with effects on economic issues [ 60 ] In connection to this, the correlation between paternal COVID-19-related concerns about employmentand postpartum depression may be explained by the association between unstable employment status and postnatal depression in fathers [ 61 ].…”

Erfahrungen von Vätern zu Schwangerschaft, Geburt und Wochenbett während der Covid-19 Pandemie

“…Die Forschergruppe betont, dass die durch diese Pandemie verursachten psychischen Störungen das Auftreten für väterliche postpartale Depressionen verstärken kann. Was wiederum zur Folge hat, dass Väter mit schlechter mentaler und psychischer Gesundheit ihren Frauen und Kinder keine umfassende Unterstützung zukommen lassen können 20 .…”

“…Je nach Studienlage leiden pränatal zwischen 4,1 % und 16,0 % und postnatal zwischen 2,4 und 18,0 % der Väter an einer Angststörung [19]. Kommen Was wiederum zur Folge hat, dass Väter mit schlechter mentaler und psychischer Gesundheit ihren Frauen und Kinder keine umfassende Unterstützung zukommen lassen können [20].…”