Prevalence and Risk Factors of Paternal Postpartum Depression in Multiple Primary Healthcare Centers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study finds that nearly 31% of Saudi fathers experience postpartum depression, with risk factors including child loss and family history of depression.

Contribution

The study is the first to investigate paternal postpartum depression in Saudi Arabia and identifies specific risk factors.

Findings

Approximately 30.9% of Saudi fathers showed signs of paternal postpartum depression.

Risk factors included a history of child loss and a family history of depression.

The study highlights the need for targeted mental health programs for fathers in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Introduction

Paternal postpartum depression (PPPD) is an important public health issue that can negatively affect relationships among fathers, partners, and children. However, research on this issue in Saudi Arabia is lacking. We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for PPPD among Saudi fathers.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi fathers in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah. We included all fathers of newborns aged ≤6 months while excluding those with a history of depressive disorder. A self-administered questionnaire was sent to all participants. The Arabic version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to screen individuals for PPPD.

Results

The total number of respondents was 223. Approximately 30.9% of participants had PPPD based on an EPDS cutoff value of ≥9. Significant risk factors associated with PPPD were whether the father had lost a child (p = 0.0083) and whether the father had a family history of depression (p = 0.0028).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that PPPD is prevalent among Saudi fathers; therefore, there is an urgent need for further research on PPPD. The results of this study will contribute to establishing preventive and intervention programs.

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