Identifying Mothers with Postpartum Depression Early: Integrating Perinatal Mental Health Care into the Obstetric Setting
2011

Early Detection of Postpartum Depression in Singapore

Sample size: 1369 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Helen Chen, Jemie Ch'ng, Ying Chia Mingoo Roshayati, Lee Theresa Ong, Julia

Primary Institution: Kandang Kerbau Women's and Children's Hospital

Hypothesis

Can integrating perinatal mental health care into the obstetric setting improve early detection and intervention for postpartum depression?

Conclusion

The intervention model showed promising results, with a significant reduction in depression symptoms among mothers who accepted treatment.

Supporting Evidence

  • 64% of eligible women participated voluntarily in the screening.
  • 9% of screened women were identified as probable cases of postpartum depression.
  • 78% of women who accepted intervention showed a reduction in depression symptoms.

Takeaway

This study helps moms who feel sad after having a baby by checking for depression early and giving them the help they need.

Methodology

A prospective cohort study was conducted with postpartum women screened for depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

Potential Biases

Stigma surrounding mental health may have influenced women's willingness to seek help.

Limitations

The study is non-randomized and observational, limiting the generalizability of the results.

Participant Demographics

Participants were primarily women aged 25-34, with a majority being Chinese and married.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.5402/2011/309189

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