Prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers and its association with maternal depression: a meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
PubMed 20483973 · doi:10.1001/jama.2010.605
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between January 1980 and October 2009 evaluated depression in fathers from the first trimester through the first postpartum year. Data were extracted independently by 2 raters from 43 included studies covering 28,004 participants. Event rates were pooled using random-effects models, with moderator analyses assessing timing, measurement method, and study location. Study quality ratings were assessed for sensitivity analysis, and publication bias was examined using funnel plots and Egger's method.
What was found
The pooled meta-estimate for paternal prenatal and postpartum depression was 10.4% (95% CI, 8.5%-12.7%), with substantial heterogeneity across studies. Depression rates peaked during the 3- to 6-month postpartum window at 25.6% (95% CI, 17.3%-36.1%). Paternal depression showed a moderate positive correlation with maternal depression (r = 0.308; 95% CI, 0.228-0.384). No evidence of significant publication bias was detected.
Why it matters
Perinatal depression affects approximately 1 in 10 fathers and frequently co-occurs with maternal depression, indicating the need to evaluate and support both parents during the perinatal period.
Limits
The included observational studies exhibited substantial heterogeneity in rates, assessment time frames, and measurement methods. The correlation between maternal and paternal depression does not establish causality.
Cited by
- supports New fathers experience depression at approximately twice the rate of the general non-fathering male population.