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.

Method:  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.

Conclusion:  Paternal PPD is a clinically meaningful phenomenon. Fathers should be evaluated for mood disorders in the postpartum, especially when their partner is depressed.