Common perinatal mental disorders and alcohol dependence in men in northern Viet Nam

BackgroundTo establish the prevalence and correlates of the perinatal common mental disorders of depression and anxiety (PCMD) and alcohol dependence (AD) in men in northern Viet Nam.MethodsA cross-sectional study of men whose wives were > 28 weeks pregnant or mothers of newborns recruited from randomly-selected rural and urban communes. Data sources were Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM IV; CAGE assessment of alcohol use and study-specific questionnaires. Odds ratios and 95% CIs were calculated by multiple logistic regressions.ResultsOverall, 231/360 eligible men were recruited, of whom 17.7% [95% CI, 12.8-22.7] were diagnosed with a PCMD; 33.8% [95% CI, 27.9-40.1] with AD (CAGE score ≥ 2) and 6.9% [95% CI, 4.3-11.0] with co-morbid PCMD and AD. PCMD were associated with experiences of coincidental life adversity, intimate partner violence, age > 30; an unwelcome pregnancy and primiparity. AD was more common among men with low education, living in the poorest households and in unskilled work.ConclusionsCommon mental disorders and AD are prevalent, but currently unrecognised among men in northern Viet Nam whose wives are pregnant or have recently given birth.