Correlates of paternal anxiety during the perinatal period: Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify and quantify factors associated with paternal perinatal anxiety (PPA) within non-clinical populations. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in line with PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted in the PsycARTICLES, PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases, supplemented by manual searches and citation-tracking. The risk of bias, the level of evidence, the corresponding score points, and the degree of association with PPA were assessed for each study. RESULTS: 37 studies were included, with 16 in the meta-analysis. Results showed that high paternal depressive symptoms, low social support, and high maternal anxiety were associated with higher paternal prenatal anxiety. Higher paternal anxiety postnatally was associated with paternal prenatal anxiety, postpartum depression symptoms, negative birth memories, and maternal anxiety. CONCLUSION: The positive association between prenatal and postnatal anxiety suggests continuity of anxiety within fathers across the perinatal period, while being closely linked with paternal depression symptoms as well as partner's anxiety, perceived social support, and birth experiences. Findings emphasize the need for family-centered interventions and improved psychosocial support for expectant and new fathers. Addressing these factors may improve paternal mental health outcomes and family well-being during the perinatal period.