The Effect of Life Style Based Education on the Fathers' Anxiety and Depression During Pregnancy and Postpartum Periods: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Due to the harmful effects of prenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression on fathers, the aim of this study was to determine the impact of lifestyle-based training on paternal depression and anxiety (primary outcomes) during the prenatal and postnatal periods. This single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 126 spouses of pregnant women with gestational ages of 24-28 weeks. They were followed up until 6 weeks after childbirth. Using the block randomization method and stratified based on the number of children, the eligible samples were divided into two groups (one receiving two weekly group lifestyle-based training session (lasting 60-90 min) and a control group). Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were filled out by the participants before the intervention, 8 weeks after it, and 6 weeks after childbirth. The general linear model was used to analyze data. Out of 126 fathers, one individual from the intervention group left the study because he was not willing to cooperate. Compared with the control group, there was a significant decrease in depression (adjusted difference: -1.6; 95% CI -2.8 to -0.5), state anxiety (-5.7; -8.6 to -2.9) and trait anxiety (-5.0; -7.8 to -2.2) scores at 8 weeks after intervention as well as postnatal depression (-3.3; -5.0 to -1.5); postnatal state anxiety (-7.5; -11.6 to -3.4), and postnatal trait anxiety (-8.3; -12.2 to -4.4) in the intervention group. The research results indicated the positive impact of training on prenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety in fathers. Given the easy implementation of training interventions during pregnancy, it is suggested that such interventions be paid more attention.