Effect of Postpartum Depression in Mothers With 0–1-Year-Old Infants on Father–Infant Attachment

Abstract

Objective: This analytical, cross-sectional study was designed to determine the effect of postpartum depression in mothers with 0–1 year old infant on father–infant attachment.Methods: The study included 207 mothers and 207 fathers with 0–12-month-old infants. The data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and Father–Infant Attachment Scale (FIAS). The data were analyzed using standard deviation, arithmetic mean, Mann–Whitney U test, and correlation analysis.Results: Total 18.3% of the mothers were at risk of postpartum depression, and the mean total EPDS score was 7.19 ± 5.17. The mean total FIAS score was 74.95 ± 6.21. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean sub-scale and total FIAS scores and the mean EPDS scores (p > 0.05). There was a significant, weak, and negative correlation (r = −0.15; r = −0.181) between the EPDS scores and the sub-scale and total FIAS scores (p < 0.05).Conclusion: We concluded that postpartum depression (PPD) in mothers has a negative effect on father–infant attachment. The primary responsibilities of midwives should include determining the factors affecting parent–infant attachment and providing training and consultancy to establish parent–infant communication. A secure father–infant attachment can be achieved by ensuring the participation of fathers during the pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum periods and careful evaluation of mothers in terms of PPD.