Differences between men and women accessing an Australian perinatal and infant mental health care navigation service-Why do fathers seek help?

Abstract

This study explored the demographic and psychosocial characteristics, and presenting concerns of new or expectant fathers seeking perinatal mental health (PMH) support through the Australia-based ForWhen service, compared to a sample of mothers. The retrospective observational analysis examined routinely collected data from 105 male and 203 female clients who were supported by ForWhen between February 2022 to June 2024. Fathers and mothers did not differ in terms of demographic characteristics, and both presented with similarly high levels of distress during intake. However, fathers were more likely to report current self-harm and/or suicidal ideation, as well as current relationship issues and financial stress. Conversely, mothers were more likely to report parenting concerns such as infant sleep and settling challenges. Overall, far fewer men than women access support through ForWhen, despite the known prevalence of PMH concerns among fathers. There were also differences in how clients accessed the service, with fathers more often referred by their intimate partner, suggesting that partners may be an important avenue to encourage help-seeking for paternal PMH concerns. These findings highlight the need to adapt PMH services-traditionally designed for women-to be more inclusive of and better engage men.