Is paternal postpartum depression associated with maternal postpartum depression? Population‐based study in Brazil

Abstract

To describe the prevalence of paternal postpartum depression (PPD) as well as its association with maternal PPD. A population-based random sample of 386 couples was assessed from the sixth to the 12th week postpartum for demographic characteristics, alcohol misuse (AUDIT) and depressive symptoms [Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)]. Logistic regression was employed to control for potential confounders. In the BDI, 26.3% of mothers and 11.9% of fathers scored above the selected threshold of 10. Mild maternal depression [odds ratio (OR) 3.31, 95% CI 1.52-7.20] and moderate to severe maternal depression (OR 8.44, 95% CI 3.53-20.21) were associated with paternal PPD. Paternal PPD is a clinically meaningful phenomenon. Fathers should be evaluated for mood disorders in the postpartum, especially when their partner is depressed.