Author:
Sun Shiwen,Hao Yuping,Qian Jialu,Wang Fang,Sun Yaping,Yu Xiaoyan
Abstract
Abstract
Background
China is a country with a high prevalence of fetal abnormalities. Termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormalities (TOPFA) is a devastating traumatic event for parents and families, resulting in serious and lasting psychological problems. The impact of TOPFA on mothers has been extensively explored, but little research has been conducted on the resulting paternal psychological problems. This study sought to determine the prevalence and predictors of paternal anxiety and depression following TOPFA.
Methods
We analysed cross-sectional data from 169 Chinese couples (169 mothers and 169 fathers) who experienced TOPFA. Anxiety was assessed with the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and depression was measured with the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) for fathers and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for mothers. We used the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) to assess levels of social support.
Results
Overall, 19.5% of fathers and 24.3% of mothers had symptoms of anxiety, but there was no significant difference in the incidence of anxiety between fathers and mothers. However, depression was more common in mothers (50.3%) than in fathers (24.9%). Level of income (β = -2.945, 95% CI: -5.448 to -0.442), worry about the pregnancy (β = 3.404, 95% CI: 1.210 to 5.599) and objective support (β = -0.668, 95% CI: -1.163 to -0.173) were predictors of anxiety in fathers. Worry about the pregnancy (β = 4.022, 95% CI: 1.630 to 6.414), objective support (β = -0.652, 95% CI: -1.229 to -0.075) and maternal depression (β = 0.497, 95% CI: 0.159 to 0.836) were predictors of paternal depression.
Conclusion
Anxiety and depression were prevalent among parents following TOPFA in China, and fathers had similar levels of anxiety as mothers. Strategies to support fathers should consider social support and psychological interaction and draw upon father-inclusive intervention recommendations.
Funder
Health Science and Technology Plan of Zhejiang Province
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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