Women's perspectives on postpartum depression screening in pediatric settings: a preliminary study

Arch Womens Ment Health. 2013 Oct;16(5):429-32. doi: 10.1007/s00737-013-0369-4. Epub 2013 Jun 29.

Abstract

This preliminary study is the first to identify mothers' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to addressing postpartum depression (PPD) in pediatric settings. We conducted four 90-min focus groups with women (n = 27) who self-identified a history of perinatal depression and/or emotional complications. Barriers reported included stigma and fear among women and lack of provider knowledge/skills regarding depression. Participants recommended non-stigmatizing approaches to depression screening/referral. Future PPD screening efforts should leverage the pediatrician-mother relationship to mitigate mothers' fears and encourage help-seeking.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Depression, Postpartum / diagnosis*
  • Depression, Postpartum / psychology
  • Fear
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening*
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology*
  • Pediatrics
  • Postpartum Period
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Social Stigma
  • Socioeconomic Factors