Research News: Mental Health of Fathers of Babies Born Very Preterm

A new study led by CRE in Newborn Medicine PhD student Grace McMahon has highlighted the need for dads to be aware of the potential impact of very premature birth on their mental health. 

Grace found around 1 in 5 fathers in the study experienced persistently high depressive symptoms and over 50% experienced moderate anxiety symptoms throughout the first year following very preterm birth. The study also found that the experience of more severe depressive and anxiety symptoms had little impact on fathers' parenting behaviours when their baby was 12 months old.

Grace speaks about her findings and their significance here: 

Grace also spoke with ABC Radio Hobart on Monday 15th June. You can hear the interview here.

If this research has touched on topics that have affected you personally, support is available through:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78

Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) Helpline: 1300 726 306

This study was a collaboration between the CRE in Newborn Medicine at MCRI, The Turner Institute for Brain & Mental Health at Monash University, Latrobe University, The University of Melbourne and The Royal Womens Hospital.

Image Source: Natalia Lebedinskaia/Shutterstock.com