Postpartum depression assessments at well-baby visits: screening feasibility, prevalence, and risk factors.
BACKGROUND
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a disorder with broad public health implications and consequences that impact almost every aspect of child development.


METHODS
In this pilot study, study participants were 96 women who brought their babies to the University of Arizona Pediatrics Clinic for their 8-week well-baby visit. Participants completed a packet that consisted of questions about demographics, potential correlates of PPD, and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). English and Spanish versions were available.


RESULTS
Of a total of 172 women who brought their babies in for their 8-week well-baby visit, 96 women completed the packets, for an overall response rate of 56.9%. Observed EPDS scores ranged from 0 to 18, with a mean of 5.44 and a standard deviation (SD) of 4.83. Using the cutoff of EPDS > or = 12, 14.6% of participants were likely suffering from clinically significant depression. Higher EPDS scores and also categorical depression classification were statistically associated with reported smoking and a family history of mental health problems.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that screening for mothers at well-baby visits is feasible and that the data collected are of sufficient quality to identify reliable predictors even with small sample sizes.
Freeman
Marlene P
MP
Women's Mental Health Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona College of Medicine. Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA. marlenef@email.arizona.edu
Wright
Ron
R
Watchman
Marcy
M
Wahl
Richard A
RA
Sisk
Doris J
DJ
Fraleigh
Lisa
L
Weibrecht
Josette M
JM
D000328:Adult; D001130:Arizona / Q000453:epidemiology; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007229:Infant Welfare / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires