ASSESSMENT OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IN A GROUP OF CHILEAN PARENTS

Abstract

Background and Objective Several studies have shown that not only mothers, but also fathers can suffer from peripartum depression. This phenomenon has not been researched in Chile; therefore, the aim of present study is to explore the presence of depressive symptoms in fathers and mothers during the postpartum period and describe their interaction. Material and Methods users of the Western Metropolitan Health Service Unit were assessed 2 months after childbirth with a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-I), and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Results Even though mothers score significantly higher in both scales, 18.5% of men surpass the cut-off score in the EPDS and 10.5% in the BDI-I. Conclusion These results stress the need to continue researching this phenomenon and incorporate father assessment in perinatal checkups.