Risk factors of paternal postnatal depression in Pakistan: Findings from an urban sample

Abstract

Paternal postnatal depression is an emerging public health concern, with negative outcomes for men, their partners, and the newborn. There is a dearth of data on paternal postnatal depression in lower-middle-income countries like Pakistan. This study aimed to identify risk factors of postnatal depression in Pakistani men. Men who consented to this cross-sectional study completed a questionnaire that included sociodemographic information and Urdu translated versions of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, 10–12 weeks postpartum. Descriptive analyses for the sociodemographic variables were calculated. Univariate analyses were conducted to calculate the relative risk and 95% confidence interval of the independent variables with an EPDS score of >10. Multivariate binary logistic regression models were performed for risk factors of paternal postnatal depression. Fifty-one questionnaires were analyzed and 23.5% of the participants scored more than 10 on the EPDS. Spouse's EPDS score > 12, and own sleep disturbance were risk factors of paternal postnatal depression in Pakistani men. There is an imminent need to incorporate fathers in the existing and future perinatal mental health programs in Pakistan.