Postnatal depression among Hong Kong Chinese fathers.

1. The prevalence of postnatal depression in Hong Kong Chinese fathers was 4.9%. 2. Postnatal depression in fathers was closely linked with postnatal depression in mothers. 3. Risk factors differed between fathers and mothers. Fathers who had life events, stress, worries over unemployment, poor marital relationships, low social support, and peiyue care were more likely to have postnatal depression. Mothers who had antenatal depression, past depression, past neurasthenia, and unhelpful peiyue care were more likely to have postnatal depression. 4. The association between paternal and maternal postnatal depression was unlikely the result of commonly perceived risk factors. Instead, the partner’s mood per se was an important factor in the aetiology of postnatal depression.