Determinants of major depression in new mothers and fathers: findings from the KUNO-Kids birth cohort

Purpose Starting a family can go along with increased vulnerability to mental disorders. Postnatal depression in mothers has often been addressed in research. However, there is a lack of studies investigating fathers. This study aimed at analysing prevalences and determinants of major depression (MD) in a large sample of new parents.

Methods Data from 1188 families participating in the KUNO Kids birth cohort were analysed. Both parents completed self-report questionnaires when their child was 4 weeks old. MD was assessed by a validated screening questionnaire (PHQ-9; cut-off ≥10). Multivariable logistic regression models with MD as dependent variable were computed for the sample of mothers and fathers, respectively. Sociodemographic information, parental and child health, lifestyle and psychosocial variables were considered as potential determinants.

Results 8% of mothers and 3% of fathers were screened positive for MD. Among both parents, better general health and a higher subjective social status decreased the chance of MD, while higher parental stress increased the chance. Further significant determinants for MD were previous mental disorders and low education in mothers, and having two or more children in fathers.

Conclusions During the first weeks of a child’s life mothers were more often affected by MD than fathers. Different sets of determinants seem to operate in mothers and fathers, most of which were stable. The experience of high parental stress, a modifiable factor, was associated with MD in both parents. Targeted services supporting families burdened with stress are needed.

Publication History

Article published online:
02 September 2021