The Assessment of Postpartum Depression in Fathers and its Correlates

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the rates and risk factors for post-partum depression in fathers. Methods: The study was carried out with 252 fathers who agreed to participate, at Ankara University School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between April and June 2013. Two interviews were conducted; first at childbirth, and second at 6th week post-partum. Paternal depression was assessed with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Socio-demographic Questionnaire. Results: Mean EPDS scores in the first and second interviews were 5,35±4,29 and 5,85±4,08 respectively. Depression rates in fathers assessed with EPDS at 6th week postpartum was 5,6%. Factors that raise the incidence of depression were determined as: Number of children, number of individuals living with the family and number of individuals who are taken care of, history of psychiatric disorders, unplanned pregnancies, marital conflicts and lack of social support. Fathers with higher incomes and/or no gender expectations had less depression rates. Conclusion: Fathers should be screened and if needed referred for postpartum depression to Obstetrics and Gynecology departments and primary care for counseling and support. Further research with larger samples is crucial to determine fast and effective screening policies as this could represent an important opportunity for public health intervention.