Husbands' knowledge and attitudes regarding postpartum depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent mental health disorder that can occur anytime within the first year after childbirth. PPD has negative health consequences for mothers, infants, and other family members. Early detection and treatment are essential in mitigating these effects. This study aims to assess husbands' knowledge and attitudes toward PPD among men aged 20 years and older residing in Saudi Arabia.

This study employed a cross-sectional design. Participants were recruited through social media and face-to-face methods using a convenience sampling approach. A total of 401 husbands were included in the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's simple correlation analysis.

In this study, the majority of participants (89.5%, n = 359) were Saudi nationals. Approximately half of the husbands (48.4%, n = 194) were between the ages of 30 and 39, whereas only 10% (n = 40) were 50 or older. Nearly half of the participants (45.4%) demonstrated a high level of knowledge about PPD. Additionally, 66.1% of the husbands had a positive attitude toward PPD and had received prior information about the condition. Family and friends were the most commonly cited sources of PPD knowledge. A positive correlation was found between husbands' knowledge and attitudes toward PPD (r = 0.117, P < 0.005). Furthermore, significant associations were observed between husband's knowledge and attitude and several sociodemographic characteristics, including nationality, educational level, occupation, monthly income, and years of marriage (P < 0.05).

The husbands demonstrated a good level of knowledge and a positive attitude toward PPD. However, further research is needed to enhance their understanding and attitudes, particularly in addressing the negative beliefs about PPD identified in this study.