Pediatric health care providers' self-reported practices in recognizing and treating maternal depression.
Screening for maternal depression with appropriate intervention has been emphasized through pediatric guidelines, but engaging providers to implement such procedures remains challenging. This study examined self-reported practice in recognizing and treating maternal depression in 98 pediatric health care providers. Over 85% agreed that recognizing maternal depression was their responsibility, yet only half reported confidence in their ability to do so. Fewer than 10% reported asking mothers about depression or using a screening tool. Clear differences in practice, treatment, and perceived barriers by confidence level were found. Implications for practice, research, and training are discussed.
Connelly
Cynthia D
CD
Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, Rady Children's Hospital and Health Center, and Professor, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
Baker
Mary J
MJ
Hazen
Andrea L
AL
Mueggenborg
Mary G
MG
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010819:Physician's Role; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000458:organization & administration; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States