BACKGROUND: To assess the acceptability of routine screening for perinatal depression. METHOD: Postnatal women (n=860) and health professionals (n=916) were surveyed after 3 years of routine perinatal (antenatal and postnatal) use of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). RESULTS: Over 90% of women had the screening explained to them and found the EPDS easy to complete; 85% had no difficulties completing it. Discomfort with screening was significantly related to having a higher EPDS score. A majority of health professionals using the EPDS was comfortable and found it useful. LIMITATIONS: The sample involved only maternity services supporting depression screening. In addition, the response rate from GPs was low. CONCLUSIONS: Routine screening with the EPDS is acceptable to most women and health professionals. Sensitive explanation, along with staff training and support, is essential in implementing depression screening.
BACKGROUND: To assess the acceptability of routine screening for perinatal depression. METHOD: Postnatal women (n=860) and health professionals (n=916) were surveyed after 3 years of routine perinatal (antenatal and postnatal) use of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). RESULTS: Over 90% of women had the screening explained to them and found the EPDS easy to complete; 85% had no difficulties completing it. Discomfort with screening was significantly related to having a higher EPDS score. A majority of health professionals using the EPDS was comfortable and found it useful. LIMITATIONS: The sample involved only maternity services supporting depression screening. In addition, the response rate from GPs was low. CONCLUSIONS: Routine screening with the EPDS is acceptable to most women and health professionals. Sensitive explanation, along with staff training and support, is essential in implementing depression screening.
Authors: Ellen L Mozurkewich; Chelsea M Clinton; Julie L Chilimigras; Susan E Hamilton; Lucy J Allbaugh; Deborah R Berman; Sheila M Marcus; Vivian C Romero; Marjorie C Treadwell; Kristie L Keeton; Anjel M Vahratian; Ronald M Schrader; Jianwei Ren; Zora Djuric Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol Date: 2013-04 Impact factor: 8.661
Authors: Barbara H Hanusa; Sarah Hudson Scholle; Roger F Haskett; Kathleen Spadaro; Katherine L Wisner Journal: J Womens Health (Larchmt) Date: 2008-05 Impact factor: 2.681