Prevalence and associated factors of paternal stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in the early postnatal period
Loading...
Date
2022-07-13
Authors
Philpott, Lloyd F.
Leahy-Warren, Patricia
Fitzgerald, Serena
Savage, Eileen
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Published Version
Abstract
Background: The changes experienced during the transition to first-time or subsequent fatherhood are mainly positive; however, fathers can also experience adverse mental health outcomes such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of paternal stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in the early postnatal period. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive correlational design was used. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire comprising of the Perceived Stress Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Results: A total of 336 fathers were included in the study. The prevalence rates were 41.1% (n = 138) for moderate/high stress symptoms, 20.8% (n = 70) for state anxiety symptoms, 25.9% (n = 87) for trait anxiety symptoms, and 13.4% (n = 45) for depression symptoms. In the multivariable analysis, several factors were associated with increased stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms including being a subsequent father (p = 0.009), not living in a house (p = 0.009), having a history of adverse mental health (p = 0.008), and having a partner with a history of anxiety (p = 0.040). Conclusion: The findings suggest that fathers are at risk of adverse mental health in the early postnatal period which is a pivotal time for fathers in terms of bonding with their infant and redefining their relationship with their partner.
Description
Keywords
Anxiety , Depression , Fatherhood , Mental health , Paternal , Postnatal period , Stress , Symptoms
Citation
Philpott, L.F., Leahy-Warren, P., FitzGerald, S. and Savage, E. (2022) ‘Prevalence and associated factors of paternal stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in the early postnatal period’, Global Mental Health, (16 pp). https://doi.org/10.1017/gmh.2022.33