EXPERIENCES OF FATHERS WITH PARTNERS SUFFERING FROM MATERNAL PERINATAL DEPRESSION: A DESCRIPTIVE QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background. Maternal perinatal depression (MPD) affects 10-20% of perinatal mothers worldwide and in Singapore. Its onset poses many challenges for fathers, yet few studies have examined the impact of MPD on fathers, whose risk for paternal perinatal depression increases when their partners have MPD. In Singapore and Asia, the topic remains largely undiscussed. Aim. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of fathers whose partners suffer from MPD. Methods. A descriptive qualitative study design was adopted. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit 12 fathers, of which 11 were from a perinatal mental health service in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted individually with participants to collect the data, which were analysed using thematic analysis. Results. Five themes emerged from analysis and were arranged to describe fathers’ journey through their partners’ MPD: “Feeling their world collapse”, “Struggling with the depression”, “Enduring the emotional toll”, “Coping with the situation”, and “Emerging from the other side”. Participants described confusion in the infancy of their partners’ condition. Subsequent efforts to care for their partner and children disrupted normal day-to-day activities, which consequently bred negative emotions that exacted a toll on fathers. Participants were initially reluctant to seek help and coped with their partners’ depression in varying ways. They requested for more available information and peer support groups. Conclusion. Collectively, the findings attested to the difficulties faced by fathers when their partners had MPD. Collaborative relationships between fathers and healthcare professionals will be crucial in ensuring that fathers are well taken care of during their journey through their partners’ MPD. The findings set a cornerstone for future research and highlight a need for more transparent and accessible resources as well as greater initiative from healthcare professionals.