Prevalence and associated factors of paternal stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in the early postnatal period

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.

Perceived Quality of Life in Intensive Care Medicine Physicians: A French National Survey

“…The PSS-10 is not considered a diagnostic tool; however, an overall score greater than 27 is considered in many studies as the threshold for indicating high perceived stress. 24,25…”

“…The PSS-10 is not considered a diagnostic tool; however, an overall score greater than 27 is considered in many studies as the threshold for indicating high perceived stress. 24,25 We measured reflexivity using the French version of the Reflexivity Scale. 26 This scale includes 16 items evaluated on a Likert scale ranging from 1 ("Completely wrong") to 7 ("Completely right").…”

Paternal perinatal mental health: progress, challenges and future direction

“…6 The most commonly used measurement tools to identify stress, anxiety and depression are the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), respectively. 7 These tools have been tested in fathers during the perinatal period and, while the results suggest that they are valid and reliable, using such measurement tools exposes inherent diagnostic/identification limitations and challenges. 8 For example, measurement tools developed for screening in the general population include items such as diminished sleep and increased fatigue, which are a normal part of fatherhood in the perinatal period.…”

“…The inconsistent findings may reflect factors such as the lack of clear definitions, the use of different measurement tools and cut‐off scores, assessment time periods and the cultural setting of the study 17 . A limitation of the relevant research literature is the lack of focus on diverse populations of fathers: 7 the vast majority of studies have included homogeneous populations of white, married, employed, highly educated, heterosexual fathers living in high income countries 15 . Studies with minority group fathers (gay, bisexual, separated/divorced, ethnic minorities, younger fathers) from diverse populations are necessary, as previous research has identified such groups as being at an increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes 21 …”

“…Despite the positive impact that fatherhood can have, there are potential negative consequences for fathers, their families and wider society 19 . The consequences are compounded for fathers during the perinatal period due to additional responsibilities of caring for a dependent infant and supporting their partner 7 . Paternal psychological and physical health, relationships and parenting are impacted by adverse mental health, with reports of the co‐existence of symptoms, fatigue, decreased maternal support, lower parenting self‐efficacy and the expression of fewer positive behaviours such as sensitivity, warmth, responsiveness, friendliness and engagement 22 …”