Is paternal postpartum depression associated with maternal postpartum depression? Population-based study in Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the prevalence of paternal postpartum depression (PPD) as well as its association with maternal PPD.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Paternal PPD is a clinically meaningful phenomenon. Fathers should be evaluated for mood disorders in the postpartum, especially when their partner is depressed.
Pinheiro
R T
RT
Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Comportamento Universidade Católica de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
Magalhães
P V S
PV
Horta
B L
BL
Pinheiro
K A T
KA
da Silva
R A
RA
Pinto
R H
RH
D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005220:Fathers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data