Prevalence and associated factors of antenatal depression among fathers at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

Abstract

Background : Depression during pregnancy could occur in both mothers and fathers. It is important for the quality of pregnancy and can affect pregnancy outcomes. In Thailand, however, most antenatal studies focused only on depression in mothers. We, therefore, try to develop a new study of mental health problem in fathers.

Objectives : To examine the prevalence of antenatal depression fathers and its associated factors.

Setting : King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Design : A cross - sectional descriptive study.

Materials and Method : Three hundred thirty-seven fathers (age 18 years) who were attended antenatal clinic with their 3^rd trimester pregnant wives at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from October 2011 – February 2012 were approached with informed consent. All subjects were asked to complete as set of questionnaires included demographic data, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Spinner Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-short form), gender role stress questionnaire, and paternal fetal attachment scale. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, chi-square and logistic regression analysis for predictors of antenatal depression.

Results : There were 45 fathers (13.4%) who had antenatal depression. Factors which are significantly associated with antenatal depression among fathers are baby’s sex, their wife’s emotion problems, marital satisfaction (dyadic satisfaction, dyadic cohesion, and affective expression domains). Multivariate analysis showed 2 factors that are significantly associated with antenatal depression in fathers : baby’s sex (female), wife’s emotional problem, and marital satisfaction (affective expression domains).

Conclusion : Antenatal depression in fathers is quite common. Medical personnel should be aware of this mental problems in this population in order to give further support and assistance.