Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2020 | Mood Disorders | Research article
Postpartum depression in mothers and fathers: a structural equation model
Authors:
Zhizhou Duan, Yuanyuan Wang, Ping Jiang, Amanda Wilson, Yan Guo, Yongliang Lv, Xiaonan Yang, Renjie Yu, Shuilan Wang, Zhengyan Wu, Mengqing Xia, Guosheng Wang, Ye Tao, L Xiaohong, Ling Ma, Hong Shen, Jue Sun, Wei Deng, Yong Yang, Runsen Chen
Published in:
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
|
Issue 1/2020
Login to get access
Abstract
Background
Post-partum depression (PPD) is a growing mental health concern worldwide. There is little evidence in the Chinese context of the relationship between paternal PPD and maternal PPD. Given the growing global concerns this relationship requires further exploration.
Methods
A survey was conducted with 950 total couples from March 2017 to December 2018. The study was conducted using a standardized questionnaire that included basic demographic information, information on the relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, marital satisfaction (both maternal and paternal), and PPD symptoms. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis was used to explore the underlying mechanism for PPD symptoms in mothers and fathers.
Results
In 4.4% of the couples both the wife and the husband showed depressive symptoms. Maternal marital satisfaction showed a significant mediating effect on paternal PPD (B = -0.114, p < 0.01), and there was a direct effect of maternal PPD on paternal PPD (B = 0.31, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
This is the first study to investigate the possible correlation between maternal PPD, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship satisfaction, maternal marital satisfaction, paternal marital satisfaction, and paternal PPD. It is important for future PPD interventions to target both maternal and paternal mental health, as well as the mechanisms identified that can lead to PPD.