Midwives' recommendations for addressing paternal postnatal depression in Tanzania: A qualitative descriptive study

Paternal postnatal depression (PPND) is a condition affecting fathers during the postpartum period. This study investigated the role of midwives in managing PPND in Tanzania, focusing on their recommendations for its management.

To address the critical yet often neglected issue of PPND in Tanzania and, based on midwives' views, to explore midwifery recommendations for its identification, support, and treatment.

A qualitative descriptive study explored Tanzanian midwives' perceived knowledge, perceptions, and experience in PPND. Twenty-two midwives were purposively selected from two hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to participate in two focus group discussions. Following Elo and Kyngäs' (2008) framework, qualitative content analysis was employed to identify and interpret patterns in the data.

Twenty-two Midwives from two selected referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, were involved in this study. They identified the need for comprehensive midwifery education on PPND and recommended increased public awareness and community education. They advocated for the full involvement of fathers in postnatal care and the creation of supportive healthcare environments with specific spaces for fathers.

Several key recommendations highlighted the importance of involving fathers in prenatal and postnatal care, enhancing midwifery education, and creating supportive healthcare environments. These recommendations offered a pathway to improving paternal postnatal mental health and the well-being of both parents, ultimately fostering a more inclusive approach to family health care.