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Major paternal depression and child consultation for developmental and behavioural problems
Shreya Davé1, Lorraine Sherr, Rob Senior
1General Practice Research Framework, Medical Research Council, London, UK. sd@gprf.mrc.ac.uk
Summary
Paternal depression is linked to increased child consultations for speech and language issues and externalizing behaviors. This highlights the importance of addressing fathers' mental health for child development.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Men's Mental Health
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Maternal depression is known to affect child development and healthcare utilization.
- Research on the impact of paternal depression on child outcomes is limited.
- Understanding paternal mental health's role is crucial for comprehensive child support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between fathers' depressed mood and their children's consultations for developmental and behavioral problems.
- To assess the impact of paternal depression on specific child health service use.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 248 father-mother dyads from UK general practices.
- Fathers completed the Patient Health Questionnaire for depressive syndrome.
- Child consultations for developmental and behavioral issues were recorded.
Main Results:
- 3% of fathers reported a major depressive syndrome.
- Children of fathers with major depression were significantly more likely to consult for speech/language problems (OR=8.67) and externalizing behaviors (OR=6.98).
- Fathers were less often the primary caregiver for doctor visits compared to mothers.
Conclusions:
- Paternal major depression is associated with increased child consultations for speech/language and externalizing behavior problems.
- Findings suggest fathers' mental health is an important factor in child developmental and behavioral health.
- Longitudinal research is recommended to establish causality.
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