Effects of Paternity Leave on Maternal Postpartum Depression in Hong Kong Chinese

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the effects of paternity leave on maternal postpartum depression, paternal involvement in neonatal care, and maternal perception of social support in Hong Kong Chinese.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted from July to September 2013 in Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, among postpartum women with liveborn babies. The subjects were assessed by a self-administered survey between 1 and 5 days postpartum, and again at 6 to 8 weeks postpartum. Postpartum depression and social support were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, respectively. Paternal involvement in baby care was rated on a Likert scale.
Results: A total of 424 (65.1%) of the 651 subjects responded to the second survey between 6 and 8 weeks
postpartum. The prevalence of postpartum depression was 31.4% (133/423). Postpartum depression was
associated with shorter duration of stay in Hong Kong, lower family income, lower perceived social support, and lower paternal involvement. The prevalence of paternity leave was 61.6% (261/424) with a mean duration of 8.9 days. Paternity leave was associated with paternal involvement, partner companionship during labour, and some demographic variables (marital status, maternal work status, education level, duration of stay in Hong Kong, family income, household size, number of existing children, helper availability, and pregnancy plan). Paternity leave had no statistically significant effect on maternal perception of social support or postpartum depression.
Conclusion: Although paternity leave was associated with increased paternal involvement in baby care, which was in turn associated with a reduced risk of postpartum depression, it had no direct effect on postpartum depression.