Acceptability of routine screening for perinatal depression.
BACKGROUND
To assess the acceptability of routine screening for perinatal depression.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Buist
Anne
A
University of Melbourne, Department of Psychiatry Austin Health, Repat Campus PO Box 5444, West Heidelberg, Victoria, 3061, Australia. a.buist@unimelb.edu.au
Condon
John
J
Brooks
Janette
J
Speelman
Craig
C
Milgrom
Jeannette
J
Hayes
Barbara
B
Ellwood
David
D
Barnett
Bryanne
B
Kowalenko
Nick
N
Matthey
Stephen
S
Austin
Marie-Paule
MP
Bilszta
Justin
J
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology*; D008880:Midwifery; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010555:Personality Inventory; D014739:Victoria