Mindfulness and associated factors in expectant fathers during the initial COVID-19 response: a cross-sectional study

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented stressors, significantly affecting mental health worldwide. While research has extensively focused on maternal experiences, less attention has been given to the experiences and coping strategies of expectant fathers during this period. Given the recognized benefits of mindfulness in fostering emotional resilience, it is important to examine whether mindfulness practices supported expectant fathers during these challenging times. Therefore, this study aimed to: (a) Characterize the frequency and degree of applied mindfulness practices among expectant fathers during early pandemic conditions. (b) Identify specific sociodemographic and pandemic-related factors associated with their mindfulness practices. (c) Investigate the inter-couple association between expectant fathers' mindfulness practices and those of their pregnant partners.

A cross-sectional study design was employed. Using convenience sampling, 237 pregnant women and their husbands were recruited in Xi'an, China, in February 2020, during the first-level response to COVID-19, a major public health emergency. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires that included demographic information and the Applied Mindfulness Process Scale (AMPS). Statistical analyses included non-parametric tests and representational similarity analysis.

Among the 237 expectant fathers, the median total AMPS score was 41.00 (33.00, 48.00). Comparing the subscales, median scores were lowest for Decentering at 13.00 (10.00, 15.00) and highest for Positive Emotion Regulation at 15.00 (12.00, 17.00). Non-parametric tests indicated that fathers residing in urban areas exhibited higher total AMPS scores compared to those in rural settings [urban: 42.00 (35.00, 48.50) vs. rural: 35.00 (24.50, 43.50), Z = - 2.875, P = 0.004], and higher education (r = 0.268, P < 0.001) and income levels (r = 0.131, P = 0.043) were linked to elevated AMPS scores. AMPS scores differed significantly based on participants' opinions towards encountering COVID-19 during pregnancy (H = 17.796, P < 0.001). Additionally, expectant fathers' AMPS scores were significantly and positively correlated with those of their pregnant partners (r = 0.291, P < 0.001).

The study may contribute to a deeper understanding of psychological coping mechanisms among expectant fathers during periods of heightened external stress, highlighting the importance of considering both individual and dyadic factors in perinatal mental health research.