Peripartum Depressive Symptoms in Fathers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

TL;DR

This study explores how the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic affects fathers' mental health and their interactions with their children during feeding.

Contribution

The study is among the first to examine paternal peripartum depression and its impact on father–child feeding interactions during a pandemic.

Findings

Pandemic-related distress was positively linked to fathers' depressive symptoms.

Higher stress levels were associated with poorer father–child feeding interactions.

Peritraumatic stress predicted increased depressive symptoms in fathers.

Abstract

Background: This research investigates peripartum depression in fathers during COVID-19, focusing on how pandemic-related distress is associated with paternal depressive symptoms and the quality of father–child feeding interactions. The primary objective was to understand if the pandemic has influenced depressive symptoms in new fathers and how these symptoms impact their interactions with their children, especially during feeding. Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional design, the research employs online surveys and remote observation to gather data from 243 Italian fathers. The analysis involves established psychometric tools like the Symptoms Check-List/90R and the Peritraumatic Distress Index to assess the severity of depressive symptoms and their correlation with father–child interaction exchanges, observed through the SVIA. Results: The fathers’ peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19 was significantly and positively associated with the level of their depressive symptoms and negatively correlated with the quality of their feeding interactions with their children. Moreover, elevated levels of peritraumatic stress were notably predictive of higher instances of depressive symptoms in the fathers. Further, higher levels of stress associated with COVID-19 were predictive of a poorer quality of father–child interactions. Conclusions: This research highlights the need for inclusive perinatal support programs, offering foundational insights into paternal mental health during pandemics.