Risk factors for paternal perinatal depression in Chinese advanced maternal age couples: A regression mixture model

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Mental Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Paternal perinatal depression (PPD) significantly impacts families but is often overlooked in clinical settings.
• Increasing rates of advanced maternal age births in China necessitate research into associated paternal mental health.
• Limited research exists on PPD specifically within advanced maternal age families, especially in China.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of PPD in Chinese fathers whose partners are of advanced maternal age.
• To identify distinct profiles of PPD within this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 358 fathers of advanced maternal age mothers in China.
• Data collected using questionnaires on demographics, social support, and PPD symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale).
• Latent profile analysis and regression mixture models used to identify PPD types and associated factors.

Main Results:

• The incidence of PPD was 16.48%, with three identified profiles: low-symptomatic (48.89%), monophasic (39.10%), and high-symptomatic (12.01%).
• Factors associated with high-symptomatic PPD included first pregnancy, low income (< ¥3000/month), part-time work, and abnormal pregnancy history.
• High subjective support, support utilization, and good couple relationships were associated with lower PPD severity.

Conclusions:

• PPD is prevalent among Chinese fathers of advanced maternal age mothers, exhibiting diverse characteristics.
• Healthcare providers should focus on identifying and supporting fathers with low social support levels.
• Targeted interventions addressing socioeconomic factors and social support are crucial for managing PPD in this population.