Risk assessment of paternal depression in relation to partner delivery during COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, China

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic and relevant prevention and control measures may affect the mental health and induce depressive symptoms in fathers with concurrent partner delivery exposure. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of depression in fathers with simultaneous exposure to COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of family functions on paternal perinatal depression (PPD) risk. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the perinatal fathers recruited in a large tertiary hospital in Wuhan across the whole pandemic period from 31 December 2019 to 11 April 2020. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and APGAR family function scale were used to evaluate PPD and family function, respectively. Chi-square test and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model were applied for data analysis. Results Among the 1187 participants, the prevalence of PPD was 13.82% throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared with that in the time period before the announcement of human-to-human transmission on 19 January 2020, the depression risk was significantly lower during the traffic restriction (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.86) and public transportation reopening periods (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.59). Poor/fair family functions was associated with elevated depression risk (OR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.90, 4.52). Individuals reporting a low family income and smoking had high depression risks. Conclusions A declined risk of PPD was observed over the traffic restriction period of the COVID-19 pandemic. An improved family function may help alleviate the risk of PPD during the pandemic. Health authorities are recommended to formulate targeted prevention and control strategies to handle PPD.

A Chain Mediation Model of Perceived Stress, Neuroticism, and Psychological Inflexibility on Depressive Symptoms of Chinese New Fathers

“…This study sample was recruited in two medical centers located in South China. This study sample has an average age of 36 years and about half have university degrees, but this is consistent with a recent study by Sun et al (2021). This recent study included 1187 Chinese fathers in Wuhan and 71% Chinese fathers aged 30 years or older.…”

“…This study found that the prevalence of depressive symptoms of new Chinese fathers was 23.81%, which is higher than the 13.6% prevalence observed in a previous meta-analysis of Chinese fathers (Wang et al, 2016). And the prevalence of depressive symptoms among Chinese fathers in the present study is also higher than the most recent study including 1187 Chinese fathers by Sun et al (2021), who reported the prevalence of paternal depression as 13.82%. It may be partially due to the small study sample and fathers with higher educational attainments.…”

“…This recent study included 1187 Chinese fathers in Wuhan and 71% Chinese fathers aged 30 years or older. This study also found that older age (aged 35 or above) of fathers is a risk factor of depressive symptoms: OR = 1.74 (95% CI [1.03, 2.94]) (Sun et al, 2021). Hence, more research is needed to explore whether older age (aged 35 years or above) is a risk factor for paternal depression or not.…”

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

“…In addition, 86.18% of fathers reported having a good family function and had lower PPD. 18 A cross-sectional study was done by Wells and Aronson in Sweden. The EPDS was used for determining of paternal PPD.…”

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

“…In contrast, in Portugal, mothers reported higher levels of depression compared to fathers [ 13 ]; (c) Regarding family relationships, in Portugal and in the US, both increased verbal arguments as well asmore quality time with the partner have been reported [ 12 , 13 ]. In China, paternal perinatal depression risk was negatively associated with family function [ 20 ]; (d) In Israel, higher level of marital satisfaction wererelated to lower parenting stress [ 19 ]. Portuguese mothers reported higher levels of perceived social support than fathers [ 13 ], although they only communicated with a small network of friends/family.…”