Screening Measures of Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing in Fathers: A Scoping Review

Accurately screening fathers for perinatal mental health problems requires well-validated screening instruments that assess the expression of paternal perinatal mental distress. This study aimed to identify and describe the psychometric properties of perinatal mental health screening instruments administered to paternal cohorts within the past two decades. A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework and is reported in line with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search of Embase, PsycINFO, Medline, and ProQuest databases identified peer-reviewed literature published within the past 20 years that implemented a screening instrument for fathers' perinatal mental health within the first 12 months of their child's birth. Twenty-eight instruments used to screen fathers' perinatal mental health were identified across 36 studies. The instruments most frequently assessed symptoms of depression. Only five were explicitly developed for fathers and while these instruments produced promising results, further evaluation is necessary before they can be considered a superior screening method compared to existing instruments.