Associations between unintended fatherhood and paternal mental health problems: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Imogene Smith1, Gypsy O'Dea2, David Hilton Demmer2
1Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; The Cairnmillar Institute, East Hawthorn, Australia.
Insights
Unintended pregnancies significantly increase fathers' risk of postpartum mental health issues, including depression. This meta-analysis found over double the odds of mental health difficulties in fathers of unintended births.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Men's Mental Health
- Perinatal Psychiatry
Background:
- Unintended pregnancies are linked to adverse parental mental health.
- Limited research exists on this association specifically in fathers.
- Paternal mental health is crucial for child development and family well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analyze the association between unintended pregnancies and mental health problems in fathers.
- To quantify the risk of paternal mental health issues following unintended births.
- To identify specific mental health outcomes affected in fathers.
Main Methods:
- Systematic keyword searches of multiple databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase).
- Inclusion of 23 studies with 8085 fathers, reporting 29 effects.
- Random effects meta-analyses to pool estimates for various mental health outcomes.
Main Results:
- Fathers reporting unintended births had over double the odds of experiencing mental health difficulties (OR=2.28).
- Depression risk was significantly higher (OR=2.36) in fathers of unintended births.
- No significant association found for anxiety or stress; higher prevalence in low-income countries.
Conclusions:
- Unintended pregnancies represent a clear risk factor for postpartum mental health problems in fathers.
- Early identification and support for fathers experiencing unintended pregnancies are warranted.
- Further research should address limitations like retrospective intention assessment and focus on longer postpartum periods.
Background:
Unintended pregnancies are linked to adverse parental mental health, yet little attention has been given to this relationship in fathers specifically. We aimed to meta-analyse associations between unintended pregnancies and mental health problems in fathers with children aged ≤36 months.
Methods:
We conducted keyword searches of Medline, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, PsycInfo and Embase to February 2, 2022, and hand searched included reference lists.
Results:
Of 2826 records identified, 23 studies (N = 8085 fathers), reporting 29 effects, were eligible for meta-analysis. Included studies assessed depression, anxiety, stress, parenting stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol misuse and psychological distress. Pooled estimates, from random effects meta-analyses, for all mental health outcomes (k = 29; OR = 2.28) and depression only (k = 19; OR = 2.36), showed that the odds of reporting mental health difficulties were >2-fold higher in men reporting unintended births compared with those reporting intended births. However, there was no evidence of association with anxiety (k = 2) or stress (k = 2). Overall, mental health problems were greater in low-income countries. No differences were found across parity, timepoint of mental health assessment, or instruments used to measure mental health symptoms.
Limitations:
Analyses were limited by the use of retrospective assessment of pregnancy intention, and heterogeneity of measures used. Further, assessment of fathers' mental health was restricted to the first year postpartum. This review was limited to English language studies.
Conclusions:
Unintended pregnancies present an identifiable risk for postpartum mental health problems in fathers.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:30Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...
02:30Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
03:34Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood