Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of the Belgian general population towards paternal perinatal depression: a descriptive cross-sectional study
BackgroundPaternal perinatal depression affects 10% of fathers, implying a significant burden on families and public health. A better insight into the population’s health literacy could guide professionals and policymakers in addressing these men and making better use of existing healthcare options....
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-01-01
|
| Series: | Frontiers in Psychiatry |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1455629/full |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1841556735609798656 |
|---|---|
| author | Ayse Akalin Ayse Akalin Florence D’haenens Sandra Tricas-Sauras Sandra Tricas-Sauras Joeri Vermeulen Joeri Vermeulen Joeri Vermeulen Dennis Demedts Dennis Demedts Ronald Buyl Maaike Fobelets Maaike Fobelets |
| author_facet | Ayse Akalin Ayse Akalin Florence D’haenens Sandra Tricas-Sauras Sandra Tricas-Sauras Joeri Vermeulen Joeri Vermeulen Joeri Vermeulen Dennis Demedts Dennis Demedts Ronald Buyl Maaike Fobelets Maaike Fobelets |
| author_sort | Ayse Akalin |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | BackgroundPaternal perinatal depression affects 10% of fathers, implying a significant burden on families and public health. A better insight into the population’s health literacy could guide professionals and policymakers in addressing these men and making better use of existing healthcare options. It is also crucial for caregivers, as they play a vital role in identifying symptoms, encouraging help-seeking, and reducing stigma. This study aimed to explore the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of the general population in Belgium towards paternal perinatal depression, using the validated DDads (Depression in Dads) questionnaire.MethodsThis descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2020-2022 using convenience sampling. Participants aged over 18 years, with a good understanding of Dutch and residing in the Brussels-Capital Region or Flemish Brabant were invited to participate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi² analysis, and independent sample t-test.ResultsA total of 314 participants, including women (n=165) and men (n=149) completed the questionnaire. Anxiousness was the most frequently cited mental health problem for men during their partners’ pregnancy (82.5%) and in the postnatal period (68.5%). Over one-third (37.3%) viewed paternal depression as a ‘normal’ part of the transition to fatherhood. The recommended treatment for paternal depression was mostly non-pharmacological, with family support ranking first (79.9%) and seeking support from informal networks being the most recommended approach (45.2%). New personality characteristics such as withdrawal, cynicism, raging attacks, and irritability, among others, were seen as common symptoms (64.6%). Although 70% of respondents believed that perinatal depression requires specialized treatment, only 39.2% agreed that all men should be screened for depression during pregnancy.ConclusionsRecognition of paternal depression symptoms was relatively low but higher among females, participants with higher education, and those aware of paternal depression. Professional support recommendations were limited, especially among young people and those without children. The terms ‘paternal perinatal depression’ and ‘perinatal mental health’ are poorly understood. The findings highlight critical gaps in awareness and attitudes, offering valuable insights. Future research should develop tailored interventions to support men’s mental well-being during the perinatal period. Targeted awareness campaigns and healthcare improvements are crucial for addressing this issue. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9c1918817f634819b297a45046101baf |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1664-0640 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Psychiatry |
| spelling | doaj-art-9c1918817f634819b297a45046101baf2025-01-07T06:40:44ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychiatry1664-06402025-01-011510.3389/fpsyt.2024.14556291455629Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of the Belgian general population towards paternal perinatal depression: a descriptive cross-sectional studyAyse Akalin0Ayse Akalin1Florence D’haenens2Sandra Tricas-Sauras3Sandra Tricas-Sauras4Joeri Vermeulen5Joeri Vermeulen6Joeri Vermeulen7Dennis Demedts8Dennis Demedts9Ronald Buyl10Maaike Fobelets11Maaike Fobelets12Department of Healthcare, Design, & Technology, Brussels Expertise Centre for Healthcare Innovation (BruCHI), Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Brussels, BelgiumDepartment of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Düzce University, Düzce, TürkiyeDepartment of Healthcare, Design, & Technology, Brussels Expertise Centre for Healthcare Innovation (BruCHI), Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Brussels, BelgiumDepartment of Healthcare, Design, & Technology, Brussels Expertise Centre for Healthcare Innovation (BruCHI), Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Brussels, BelgiumPublic Health School, CR5 - Department of Social Approaches to Health (CRISS), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, BelgiumDepartment of Healthcare, Design, & Technology, Brussels Expertise Centre for Healthcare Innovation (BruCHI), Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Brussels, BelgiumDepartment of Public Health, Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, BelgiumDepartment of Life sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, LuxembourgDepartment of Healthcare, Design, & Technology, Brussels Expertise Centre for Healthcare Innovation (BruCHI), Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Brussels, BelgiumDepartment of Public Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, BelgiumDepartment of Public Health, Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, BelgiumDepartment of Public Health, Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, BelgiumDepartment of Teacher Education, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, BelgiumBackgroundPaternal perinatal depression affects 10% of fathers, implying a significant burden on families and public health. A better insight into the population’s health literacy could guide professionals and policymakers in addressing these men and making better use of existing healthcare options. It is also crucial for caregivers, as they play a vital role in identifying symptoms, encouraging help-seeking, and reducing stigma. This study aimed to explore the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of the general population in Belgium towards paternal perinatal depression, using the validated DDads (Depression in Dads) questionnaire.MethodsThis descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2020-2022 using convenience sampling. Participants aged over 18 years, with a good understanding of Dutch and residing in the Brussels-Capital Region or Flemish Brabant were invited to participate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi² analysis, and independent sample t-test.ResultsA total of 314 participants, including women (n=165) and men (n=149) completed the questionnaire. Anxiousness was the most frequently cited mental health problem for men during their partners’ pregnancy (82.5%) and in the postnatal period (68.5%). Over one-third (37.3%) viewed paternal depression as a ‘normal’ part of the transition to fatherhood. The recommended treatment for paternal depression was mostly non-pharmacological, with family support ranking first (79.9%) and seeking support from informal networks being the most recommended approach (45.2%). New personality characteristics such as withdrawal, cynicism, raging attacks, and irritability, among others, were seen as common symptoms (64.6%). Although 70% of respondents believed that perinatal depression requires specialized treatment, only 39.2% agreed that all men should be screened for depression during pregnancy.ConclusionsRecognition of paternal depression symptoms was relatively low but higher among females, participants with higher education, and those aware of paternal depression. Professional support recommendations were limited, especially among young people and those without children. The terms ‘paternal perinatal depression’ and ‘perinatal mental health’ are poorly understood. The findings highlight critical gaps in awareness and attitudes, offering valuable insights. Future research should develop tailored interventions to support men’s mental well-being during the perinatal period. Targeted awareness campaigns and healthcare improvements are crucial for addressing this issue.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1455629/fullDDads questionnairehealth literacymenmental healthperinatal depression |
| spellingShingle | Ayse Akalin Ayse Akalin Florence D’haenens Sandra Tricas-Sauras Sandra Tricas-Sauras Joeri Vermeulen Joeri Vermeulen Joeri Vermeulen Dennis Demedts Dennis Demedts Ronald Buyl Maaike Fobelets Maaike Fobelets Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of the Belgian general population towards paternal perinatal depression: a descriptive cross-sectional study Frontiers in Psychiatry DDads questionnaire health literacy men mental health perinatal depression |
| title | Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of the Belgian general population towards paternal perinatal depression: a descriptive cross-sectional study |
| title_full | Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of the Belgian general population towards paternal perinatal depression: a descriptive cross-sectional study |
| title_fullStr | Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of the Belgian general population towards paternal perinatal depression: a descriptive cross-sectional study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of the Belgian general population towards paternal perinatal depression: a descriptive cross-sectional study |
| title_short | Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of the Belgian general population towards paternal perinatal depression: a descriptive cross-sectional study |
| title_sort | awareness knowledge and attitudes of the belgian general population towards paternal perinatal depression a descriptive cross sectional study |
| topic | DDads questionnaire health literacy men mental health perinatal depression |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1455629/full |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT ayseakalin awarenessknowledgeandattitudesofthebelgiangeneralpopulationtowardspaternalperinataldepressionadescriptivecrosssectionalstudy AT ayseakalin awarenessknowledgeandattitudesofthebelgiangeneralpopulationtowardspaternalperinataldepressionadescriptivecrosssectionalstudy AT florencedhaenens awarenessknowledgeandattitudesofthebelgiangeneralpopulationtowardspaternalperinataldepressionadescriptivecrosssectionalstudy AT sandratricassauras awarenessknowledgeandattitudesofthebelgiangeneralpopulationtowardspaternalperinataldepressionadescriptivecrosssectionalstudy AT sandratricassauras awarenessknowledgeandattitudesofthebelgiangeneralpopulationtowardspaternalperinataldepressionadescriptivecrosssectionalstudy AT joerivermeulen awarenessknowledgeandattitudesofthebelgiangeneralpopulationtowardspaternalperinataldepressionadescriptivecrosssectionalstudy AT joerivermeulen awarenessknowledgeandattitudesofthebelgiangeneralpopulationtowardspaternalperinataldepressionadescriptivecrosssectionalstudy AT joerivermeulen awarenessknowledgeandattitudesofthebelgiangeneralpopulationtowardspaternalperinataldepressionadescriptivecrosssectionalstudy AT dennisdemedts awarenessknowledgeandattitudesofthebelgiangeneralpopulationtowardspaternalperinataldepressionadescriptivecrosssectionalstudy AT dennisdemedts awarenessknowledgeandattitudesofthebelgiangeneralpopulationtowardspaternalperinataldepressionadescriptivecrosssectionalstudy AT ronaldbuyl awarenessknowledgeandattitudesofthebelgiangeneralpopulationtowardspaternalperinataldepressionadescriptivecrosssectionalstudy AT maaikefobelets awarenessknowledgeandattitudesofthebelgiangeneralpopulationtowardspaternalperinataldepressionadescriptivecrosssectionalstudy AT maaikefobelets awarenessknowledgeandattitudesofthebelgiangeneralpopulationtowardspaternalperinataldepressionadescriptivecrosssectionalstudy |