The Relationship of Paternal Depression with Social Support and Perceived Stress by Him and Maternal Depression in the Postpartum Period.

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The evidence suggests that some men experience depression after the childbirth of their wife, and this serious, real and unknown phenomenon will adversely affect them and their families. Regarding to lack of understanding about father's depression and its complex and multifaceted Etiology, the present study was done to assess the paternal postpartum depression and its relationship with social support and perceived stress by him and maternal depression in couples attending the health centers of Shahid Beheshti University, in 2013. Methods & Materials: In this descriptive study 205 couples, which were selected by cluster random sampling, were assessed from 6th to 12th week postpartum in 7 health centers. Necessary information of fathers, was collected by means of 4 self –report questionnaires, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Social Support Scale (MSPSS) and demographics questionnaire and for the mothers Edinburgh questionnaire was used. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, correlation tests and linear regression analysis. The analysis was carried out using SPSS version 17.0 for windows. Results: 11.7 percent of the fathers and 33.2 percent of mothers scored 12 or above in the Edinburgh scale, which indicates symptom of depression. Depression scores in mothers and fathers were correlated (p<0.001). Father's depression scores had a significant positive correlation with the perceived stress scores and a negative correlation with the social support scores (p<0.05). The perceived stress variable had a strong statistical power (β=0.608) to predict the father's postpartum depression (p<0.001). Maternal depression and perceived social support components cannot significantly predict depression in fathers. Also, the family's financial situation, the number of wife's abortions and pregnancies were significantly associated with paternal depression. Paternal postpartum depression was not associated with other individual –social and reproductive factors (p>0.05). Conclusion: It is necessary to assess the fathers' postpartum depression for on time prevention and prevention and treatment, especially when their partner is also depressed. Increasing public awareness, stress management and communication skills training, and support of fathers during the perinatal period is recommended.