Effect of Postpartum Depression in Mothers With 0–1-Year-Old Infants on Father–Infant Attachment

Abstract

Objective: This analytical, cross-sectional study was designed to determine the effect of postpartum depression in mothers with 0-1 year old infant on father-infant attachment. Methods: The study included 207 mothers and 207 fathers with 0-12-month-old infants. The data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and Father-Infant Attachment Scale (FIAS). The data were analyzed using standard deviation, arithmetic mean, Mann-Whitney U test, and correlation analysis. Results: Total 18.3% of the mothers were at risk of postpartum depression, and the mean total EPDS score was 7.19 ± 5.17. The mean total FIAS score was 74.95 ± 6.21. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean sub-scale and total FIAS scores and the mean EPDS scores (p > 0.05). There was a significant, weak, and negative correlation (r = −0.15; r = −0.181) between the EPDS scores and the subscale and total FIAS scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion:We concluded that postpartum depression (PPD) in mothers has a negative effect on fatherinfant attachment. The primary responsibilities of midwives should include determining the factors affecting parent-infant attachment and providing training and consultancy to establish parent-infant communication. A secure father-infant attachment can be achieved by ensuring the participation of fathers during the pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum periods and careful evaluation of mothers in terms of PPD.