The effects of traffic restriction and family function on paternal perinatal depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, China

Abstract

Objectives The prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic might associate with paternal perinatal depression during their partners' delivery. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of paternal perinatal depression exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the risk factors. Design This is a cross-sectional study Population The participants of perinatal fathers were recruited in one hospital during December 31, 2019 to April 11, 2020 in Wuhan. Methods The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the APGAR family function scale was used to evaluate paternal perinatal depression and family function, respectively. The chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were applied for data analysis. Results There were 1,187 valid fathers included and the prevalence of paternal perinatal depression was 13.82%. Compared with fathers recruited before the announcement of human-to-human transmission, fathers showed significantly lower risk of perinatal depression (OR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.87; OR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.63; respectively) during traffic restriction period and public transportation reopened period in Wuhan. Low or fair of family function significantly associated with elevated risk of paternal perinatal depression (OR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.56, 3.83). Moreover, fathers reported low family income, poor sleep quality, and smoking were significantly associated with increased risks of perinatal depression. Conclusions Paternal screening was suggested to early detect perinatal depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Traffic restriction and good family function have positive impacts on paternal perinatal depression. These results could provide some evidence for health authorities to formulate targeted prevention and control strategies on paternal perinatal depression.