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.
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
Recommended Citation
Zavala, Angela and Whitmire, Tara, "Postpartum depression screening in the neonatal intensive care unit" (2024). Group: Nebraska Methodist College. 34.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/group_nmc/34
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Review Type
Faculty Approved: Degree-based Submission
Acquisition
Self-submission
Full Text of Presentation
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