Mother-Father Differences in Risk Factors for Postnatal Psychological Distress: Results from the German SKKIPPI Cohort Study

The postnatal period is a potentially vulnerable time for families and can be associated with psychological distress in mothers and fathers. The aim of this analysis was to identify mother-father differences in symptoms of postnatal psychological distress and their risk factors. Cross-sectional screening data for postnatal psychological distress included postnatal depressive (PDS), anxiety (PAS), and obsessive-compulsive symptoms (POCS). Using baseline data of 4984 mothers and 962 fathers from the German SKKIPPI cohort study, we conducted an explorative multilevel logistic regression. Mothers were more likely than fathers to report PAS (OR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.00–2.41, p = 0.051) and POCS (1.38, 1.03–1.83, p = 0.029) but not PDS (1.15, 0.76–1.74, p = 0.509). Risk factors associated with psychological symptoms in mothers and fathers were life stressors, history of mental illness, and unsuitable pregnancy timing. Most risk factors were similar in mothers and fathers. However, relationship problems, having a child with a serious illness or disability, and the receipt of state payments seemed to have greater impact on fathers for some outcomes. These associations require further attention by researchers and should be considered by practitioners in the management of postnatal mental health. The SKKIPPI study has been registered in the German Clinical Trial Registry on February 8th, 2019 (DRKS-ID: DRKS00016653). Highlights Comparing mothers and fathers in symptoms of postnatal psychological distress showed that mothers were more likely to report anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, while depressive symptoms showed little difference. Most risk factors for postnatal psychological symptoms were similar in mothers and fathers. However, some indications for father-specific risk factors were found (e.g., relationship problems or the receipt of state payments), which require further attention by researchers.