Predictors of postpartum depression among Chinese mothers and fathers in the early postnatal period: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: Postpartum depression is a serious mental health problem in early parenthood. The prevalence of postpartum depression is currently increasing. However, no studies have yet examined and compared maternal and paternal psychological health during the early postpartum period. The objectives of this study were therefore to explore the prevalence of postpartum depression and identify its predictors among Chinese mothers and fathers in the early postpartum period.

Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 24, 2020 to April 7, 2021 in Guangzhou, China.

Setting: A regional teaching hospital in Guangzhou, China, with approximately 3000 births per year.

Participants: Four hundred and fifty-four married couples in the 2, 3 days postpartum period following a singleton, full-term birth.

Measurements and findings: Participants completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Parenting Satisfaction Subscale and Parenting Efficacy Subscale, Social Support Rating Scale, and the demographic and obstetric datasheet. The prevalence of depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥ 13) was 13.0% and 7.5% in mothers and fathers, respectively, in the early postpartum period. The predictors of maternal depression were maternal parenting satisfaction, paternal depression, maternal social support and maternal relationship with mother-in-law (adjusted R²= 0.34, F = 58.40, df = [4, 449], P < 0.001). While the predictors of paternal depression were paternal parenting satisfaction and self-efficacy, maternal depression and whether the pregnancy was planned (adjusted R²= 0.28, F = 44.85, df = [4, 449], P < 0.001).

Key conclusions: Maternal and paternal depression were positively correlated and were predictive factors for one another.

Implications for practice: Healthcare professionals should screen both mothers and fathers for depression in the early postpartum period and provide targeted support during time in hospital following birth. In addition, the focus of future interventions should be on both parents rather than just mothers.

Keywords: Parenting satisfaction; Parenting self-efficacy; Postpartum depression; Social support.