Knowledge and Attitudes toward Maternal Postpartum Depression among Husbands of Expectant Mothers: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression is a common condition with serious consequences for mothers and infants, and the knowledge and attitudes of husbands influence early recognition and help-seeking. Evidence from Kerala is limited.

Objectives: To assess knowledge and attitudes regarding maternal postpartum depression among husbands of expectant mothers and to examine their association with sociodemographic variables.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among husbands of expectant mothers attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient department of Travancore Medical College Hospital, Kollam, Kerala. Participants were recruited consecutively and interviewed face to face using an adapted questionnaire with 30 knowledge items and 15 attitude statements. Associations were tested with the Pearson chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test; P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Among 135 husbands, 113 (83.7%) had heard of postpartum depression, yet only 54 (40.0%) had good knowledge and 81 (60.0%) had poor knowledge. A positive attitude was observed in 125 (92.6%) and a negative attitude in 10 (7.4%). Urban residence was associated with good knowledge (50.0% versus 31.5%; P = 0.029). Positive attitude was associated with educational status (P < 0.001), monthly family income (P = 0.019) and number of living children (P = 0.001). Common misconceptions included beliefs that most affected mothers are violent and that every mother experiences the condition.

Conclusion: Attitudes of husbands were largely favourable, but knowledge was inadequate and misconceptions persisted. Antenatal clinics offer an opportunity to educate husbands, particularly those from rural areas and with lower education and income.