Abstract
Maternal depression is associated with adverse child development, however little is known about paternal depression and child outcome. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of paternal depression and assess its association with abnormal child behaviours among 4–6 year olds. Parents of 4–6 years olds were recruited via general practices and completed measures on child behaviour (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire), and other covariates. The association of major and other paternal depressive syndrome with mother reported child behaviour was analysed. Eight percent (29/365) of fathers had depression (3.3 and 4.77% a major and other depressive syndrome, respectively). Major but not other paternal depressive syndrome was associated with an 8 and 36 times greater likelihood of child prosocial behaviour problems and peer problems respectively.
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Acknowledgements
The study was funded by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the North Central London Research Consortium (NoCLoR). We would like to thank the families involved and the general practices for their participation in the study.
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Davé, S., Sherr, L., Senior, R. et al. Associations between paternal depression and behaviour problems in children of 4–6 years. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 17, 306–315 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-007-0672-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-007-0672-6