Abstract

Background and Review of Literature: Postpartum depression (PPD) is recognized as a maternal mental health condition that can occur during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. Mothers of infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at a particularly increased risk for developing PPD. Risk factors are multifactorial and if undiagnosed can lead to serious consequences for mother, infant and the family unit.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was: 1) to assess the incidence of PPD with interval screening compared to one-time screening in NICU mothers using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and 2) to determine if maternal and infant related factors correlate with PPD in this population.

Methods/Results: This project was a retrostpective study reviewing data from a recently implemented monthly PPD screening protocol in the NICU. The sample included 39 women who were screened with a total of 53 PPD screenings over a period of five months. During this time there were 36 30-day screenings, 10 60-day screenings, and 2 90-day screenings with an overall PPD incidence of 33%. Small sample sizes of the 60 and 90 day screenings limited the ability to make a determination on the best time to screen mothers in this setting. Preexisting history of depression and/or anxiety and the presence of maternal complications were both identified as factors that place a mother at a higher risk for PPD.

Conclusion: This study validated that NICU mothers are at a higher risk for PPD. Early identification through screening procedures and implementing appropriate intervention can lead to earlier detection and intervention improving outcomes for mother and infant.

Author Details

Angela Zavala, DNP, APRN-NP and Tara Whitmire, DNP, APRN-NP, CHFN - tara.whitmire@methodistcollege.edu

Sigma Membership

Tau Tau

Lead Author Affiliation

Nebraska Methodist College, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

Type

DNP Capstone Project

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Quality Improvement

Research Approach

Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice

Keywords:

Postpartum Depression, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Mental Health Screening

Advisor

Whitmire, Tara

Degree

DNP

Degree Grantor

Nebraska Methodist College

Degree Year

2018

Rights Holder

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All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository.

All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

Faculty Approved: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Self-submission

Full Text of Presentation

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