Paternal antenatal depression and its associated factors among expectant fathers in Debre Tabor Town, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract Paternal antenatal depression remains under-recognized and under-investigated, particularly in low-and middle-income countries such as Ethiopia, where evidence on its prevalence and associated factors is limited. This study aimed to determine paternal antenatal depression symptoms and identify its associated factors in expectant fathers during their partners’ third-trimester pregnancy. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 859 expectant fathers, selected through stratified multistage cluster sampling techniques from March 27 to July 31, 2025. The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale assessed depression symptoms. Descriptive statistics were computed, and bivariable logistic regression identified variables with p < .2 for multivariable analysis. Statistically significant associations were declared at p < .05 using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of paternal antenatal depression symptoms was 22.6% (95% CI: 19.8–25.4%). Significant predictors included fathers’ age (AOR = 1.07, CI = 1.02–1.11), lower wealth index (AOR = 1.89, CI = 1.05–3.40), first-time fatherhood (AOR = 9.25, CI = 3.54–24.14), work-family conflict (AOR = 1.14, CI = 1.10–1.19), poor social support (AOR = 7.29, CI = 3.49–15.22), and maternal depression symptoms (AOR = 10.64, CI = 6.50–17.40). In conclusion, over one-fifth of expectant fathers experienced antenatal depression symptoms. Statistically significant associated factors included fathers’ age, lower wealth, first-time fatherhood, poor social support, work-family conflict, and maternal depression.