Risk for partners’ depression and anxiety during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum: A longitudinal cohort study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Families may benefit from increased focus on partner emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and the perinatal period. Our aim was to explore the risk for depression and anxiety during pregnancy and one year postpartum in relation to partners’ self-reported health, sense of coherence, social support, and lifestyle factors. METHODS This is a longitudinal cohort study using three questionnaires that were answered twice during pregnancy and at one year postpartum. Participants (n=532) were recruited between April 2012 and September 2013, and follow-up was between April 2012 and March 2015, in Sweden. RESULTS In late pregnancy, 8.9% of the prospective partners were at high risk for depression and 8.3% one year postpartum. An increased risk for depression was found amongst those reporting ‘fair or very poor’ sexual satisfaction and those reporting ‘fair or very poor’ health during pregnancy and postpartum. High anxiety was reported by 10.8% during late pregnancy and 12.4% one year postpartum. Partners who were unemployed, had financial diflculties, and who scored low on a Sense of Coherence scale, showed significantly higher anxiety in late pregnancy and postpartum. Social support has a significant and positive impact concerning signs of depression and anxiety, both during pregnancy and postpartum. CONCLUSIONS More than 10% of partners in this study showed depressive symptoms and anxiety, indicating a problem in need of attention by stakeholders. Strengthening social support is of greatest importance. It is time for the introduction of family-focused care aimed at prevention of depression and anxiety, and maintenance of family well-being.