The content and delivery of psychological interventions for perinatal depression by non-specialist health workers in low and middle income countries: a systematic review.
Psychological interventions delivered by non-specialist health workers are effective for the treatment of perinatal depression in low- and middle-income countries. In this systematic review, we describe the content and delivery of such interventions. Nine studies were identified. The interventions shared a number of key features, such as delivery provided within the context of routine maternal and child health care beginning in the antenatal period and extending postnatally; focus of the intervention beyond the mother to include the child and involving other family members; and attention to social problems and a focus on empowerment of women. All the interventions were adapted for contextual and cultural relevance; for example, in domains of language, metaphors and content. Although the competence and quality of non-specialist health workers delivered interventions was expected to be achieved through structured training and ongoing supervision, empirical evaluations of these were scarce. Scalability of these interventions also remains a challenge and needs further attention.
Sangath, 841/1, Alto Porvorim - Goa 403511, India; The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK.
Neerja
N
Chowdhary
Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Siham
S
Sikander
Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Najia
N
Atif
Sangath, 841/1, Alto Porvorim - Goa 403511, India.
Neha
N
Singh
Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Ikhlaq
I
Ahmad
The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK.
Daniela C
DC
Fuhr
(d)University of Liverpool, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society Child Mental Health Unit, Alder Hey Children's NHS Trust, Mulberry House, Eaton Road, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK.
Atif
A
Rahman
Sangath, 841/1, Alto Porvorim - Goa 403511, India; The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK. Electronic address: Vikram.Patel@lshtm.ac.uk.
Vikram
V
Patel
D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003150:Community Health Workers; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000628:therapy*; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D058725:Peripartum Period / Q000523:psychology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011340:Problem Solving; D014838:Volunteers; D000078329:Workforce
allied health personnel; community health workers; depression; developing country; mothers; perinatal depression; voluntary workers