The prevalence of postpartum depression and associated characteristics in fathers of newborns in Yazd City in 2023: A cross-sectional study

Published date: Dec 03 2025

Journal Title: International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine

Issue title: International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine (IJRM): Volume 23, Issue No. 10

Pages: 843 – 852

DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v23i10.20317

Maryam ElyasiDepartment of Psychiatry, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd

Shahab Ali ShirkhodaDepartment of Psychiatry, Research Center of Addiction and Behavioral Sciences, Non-Communicable Diseases Research Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd

Hossein Fallah ZadehDepartment of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Research Center for Healthcare Data Modeling, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd

Ashraf Rouhbakhshashrafrouhbakhsh@yahoo.comDepartment of Psychiatry, Research Center of Addiction and Behavioral Sciences, Non-Communicable Diseases Research Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd

Background: Most research on postpartum depression (PPD) has predominantly focused on mothers, leaving a gap in understanding fathers’ experiences and help-seeking behaviors.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the paternal PPD, addressing its complex causes and ultimately improving family health.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 270 fathers of newborns who referred to healthcare centers in Yazd, Iran from September 2023-September 2024 were enrolled. Participants were asked to fill the Edinburgh questionnaire to examine the prevalence and contributing factors of PPD.

Results: A total of 270 fathers participated, with 146 daughters and 124 sons. The average depression score was 8.7 ± 6.2. The study found no significant difference in depression rates based on fathers’ education level (p = 0.09), the number of children (p = 0.1), or history of newborn neonatal intensive care unit hospitalization (p = 0.5). However, a significant correlation was identified between depression and monthly income (p = 0.002) and having a baby girl (p = 0.03). Overall, 81 fathers (30%) reported experiencing depression.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for long-term planning to address paternal depression, emphasizing that healthcare systems should not only focus on maternal mental health but also recognize the psychological challenges faced by fathers. Supporting fathers is crucial for the well-being of both mothers and newborns.

Keywords: Postpartum depression, Fathers, Mental health, Depression

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