Screening for depression in new fathers beyond the clinic: An observational study

Richard Fletcher; Jeffrey So; Lucy Leigh; Jennifer StGeorge

doi:10.1016/j.jad.2025.120294

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Screening for depression in new fathers beyond the clinic: An observational study

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Screening for depression in new fathers beyond the clinic: An observational study

Richard Fletcher, Jeffrey So, Lucy Leigh and Jennifer StGeorge

Journal of Affective Disorders, Vol.392, pp.1-8

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.120294

PMID: 40930170

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Abstract

depression

father

Perinatal

Paternal mental health

opportunistic

Background Perinatal depression among fathers can impact their own wellbeing, as well as that of their partner and child. Infrastructure to support universal paternal mental health screening is limited. Digital screening embedded within the SMS4dads text messaging program provides an opportunity to reach and refer distressed fathers. This study compares the completion and help-seeking rates associated with two voluntary self-assessment tools included in SMS4dads: the Kessler Distress Scale (K6) and the Parenting Quiz (PQ). Methods This study analysed automatically collected data from Australian fathers enrolled in the SMS4dads program. The proportions of completion and willingness to seek help through two screening tools were assessed. Chi-square tests were employed to examine associations between fathers' characteristics and response rates. Results The PQ (n = 3110/9260, 44.4 %) had a higher completion rate than the K6 (n = 1321/7871, 16.8 %). Distressed fathers completing the PQ also showed higher willingness to seek help (n = 28/330, 8.5 %) compared to the K6 (n = 28/504, 5.6 %). Paternal age and postnatal enrolment were positively associated with K6 completion (p < .001), whereas PQ completion was positively associated with paternal age, university education, postnatal enrolment, first-time parent, and lower baseline distress levels (p < .001). Conclusion Opportunistic mental health screening through a digital parenting program may be a feasible approach for identifying distressed fathers and referring them to mental health support. Universal mental health screening for fathers may require digital health initiatives beyond traditional healthcare settings.

Details

Title: Screening for depression in new fathers beyond the clinic: An observational study
Authors: Richard Fletcher (Corresponding Author) - University of Newcastle Australia
Jeffrey So (Author) - University of Newcastle Australia
Lucy Leigh - Hunter Medical Research Institute
Jennifer StGeorge - University of Newcastle Australia
Publication details: Journal of Affective Disorders, Vol.392, pp.1-8
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.120294
ISSN: 1573-2517; 0165-0327
PMID: 40930170
Data Availability: Data is available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Grant note: The study was funded by the Australian Commonwealth Department of Health, Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing Program (4-G52QFD9).
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991213081102621
Output Type: Journal article

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