“Overlooked Postpartum Depression in Fathers: A Critical Study from the University of Illinois Chicago”

A recent investigation conducted by the University of Illinois Chicago has brought to light the often-overlooked issue of postpartum depression in fathers. This pilot study underscores the pressing need for screening and addressing this condition among new fathers, highlighting its significance not only for their own well-being but also for the overall health of their families.

The study’s findings reveal that fathers can indeed experience postpartum depression, and it suggests that they should undergo screening for this condition. Given the intricate interplay between the physical and mental health of both mothers and fathers, addressing the mental health of fathers could prove to be a potent, yet untapped resource in tackling the ongoing maternal health crisis facing the nation.

To arrive at these conclusions, the researchers obtained consent from mothers to interview and screen 24 fathers. Alarmingly, 30% of these fathers tested positive for postpartum depression using the same screening tool typically employed for mothers. Dr. Sam Wainwright, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of engaging new fathers in conversations about their mental well-being. Many fathers, he noted, grapple with stress and anxiety while trying to balance the demands of work, parenthood, and partnership. However, these struggles often go unnoticed as no one is addressing them.

Furthermore, the study underscores the impact of fathers’ mental health on mothers. A woman who has a depressed partner is significantly more likely to experience postpartum depression herself, according to Dr. Wainwright, who serves as an assistant professor of internal medicine and pediatrics.

It is worth noting that previous studies have estimated that 8% to 13% of new fathers experience postpartum depression. However, the prevalence in this study appeared to be higher, possibly due to the fact that nearly 90% of the participants belonged to racial or ethnic groups facing structural racism and social determinants that can exacerbate mental health issues.

The study was conducted at UI Health’s Two-Generation Clinic, which was established in 2020. This clinic recognizes that new mothers, especially those from low-resource backgrounds and communities of color, often prioritize their children’s healthcare over their own. Consequently, it offers mothers primary care during their children’s visits. Regrettably, fathers were often excluded from this process. In response, the clinic’s team initiated conversations with fathers to assess their well-being, leading to the inception of this study.

Moreover, these conversations sparked a broader research project that Dr. Wainwright has undertaken to delve deeper into fathers’ experiences, particularly concerning their mental and physical health. He has expanded his efforts by engaging with fathers-to-be in obstetrics waiting areas and even screening them for conditions such as high blood pressure during these interactions.

Engaging young men in healthcare remains a challenge, as many are hesitant to seek medical attention. Dr. Wainwright emphasized the unique opportunity presented when these men become fathers. As a result of the postpartum depression study, some men who did not previously have a primary care physician are now seeking medical care from Dr. Wainwright, and others are requesting mental health services.

Ultimately, the overarching goal of this research is to gain a better understanding of how to help men maintain good health, not only for their own well-being but also for the sake of their relationships and families. Dr. Wainwright underscores the importance of conveying the message that self-care is essential, not just for the fathers themselves but for the well-being of their babies and partners.

Reference:
“Screening fathers for postpartum depression in a maternal-child health clinic: a program evaluation in a midwest urban academic medical center” by Sam Wainwright, Rachel Caskey, Aida Rodriguez, Abigail Holicky, Melissa Wagner-Schuman, and Anne Elizabeth Glassgow, 19 September 2023, BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05966-y

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More about Postpartum Depression in Fathers

• University of Illinois Chicago Study
• BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Journal
• Postpartum Depression in Fathers
• Two-Generation Clinic at UI Health