Psychometric Properties of the Perinatal Assessment of Paternal Affectivity in Peru: A Screening Measure for the Risk of Paternal Perinatal Psychopathology

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Perinatal Assessment of Paternal Affectivity (PAPA) in Peru. The sample comprised 406 fathers of infants aged 0-17 months attending growth and development services in Metropolitan Lima; 58.1% were first-time fathers. They completed the PAPA, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Parental Stress Scale (PSS), and the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS). Mean symptom levels were low, with a mild-to-moderate floor effect expected in a community sample. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure with moderate-to-high loadings and good fit after allowing one residual correlation. The scale showed adequate internal consistency (ordinal α = 0.87; α = 0.81; ω = 0.86). Multi-group analyses supported strict measurement invariance across socioeconomic status and parity. Convergent and concurrent validity were supported by positive correlations with depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) and parental stress (PSS), and negative correlations with satisfaction with the baby and relationship satisfaction (RAS). ROC analysis indicated excellent discriminative capacity for depressive symptomatology (AUC = 0.87; optimal cutoff = 6.5; sensitivity = 0.80; specificity = 0.82). Findings support the PAPA as a brief, reliable, and valid screening measure for paternal perinatal psychopathology in community settings, with caution advised regarding cutoff use until replicated in Peruvian clinical samples. KEY FINDINGS: The PAPA demonstrated a clear unidimensional structure with good model fit in a Peruvian community sample. The scale showed strong convergent and concurrent validity through its associations with depressive symptoms, parental stress, and relationship satisfaction. The PAPA exhibited excellent discriminative capacity for depressive symptomatology, with an optimal cutoff score of 6.5. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: This study examines the psychometric properties of a screening tool for the risk of paternal perinatal psychopathology in Peru, an overlooked aspect of early childhood mental health. Identifying paternal affective difficulties allows practitioners to anticipate risks for infants' socioemotional development. The measure performed equivalently across economic conditions and parity groups, supporting its use with diverse families. This work contributes to the field by expanding assessment practices beyond maternal factors and by strengthening early detection within Peruvian community and primary care settings.