Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a concerning medical condition that many women experience after delivery. In its mild form, it is manageable but in its more serious state, expert consultation may be needed for evaluation and treatment. Existing literature focuses on the prevalence of the condition, stigma that exists, and postpartum depression education. The exact prevalence of postpartum depression may be unknown due to lack of reporting symptoms, like other mental health condition. The purpose of this capstone project was to determine whether prenatal education improved knowledge and comfortability with reporting symptoms. Implementation of the project included presenting education to pregnant mothers in an electronic recording and evaluations were made using a pre/post style survey that related to the mother's knowledge base of the condition and her feelings regarding comfortability in reporting symptoms. Methods included the application of two dependent t-tests for comparing pre/post-intervention changes in knowledge of the condition and likelihood of reporting symptoms. A small sample size of n=3 was obtained, and the analysis of survey results did not show statistical significance. Limitations of this project were related to the small sample size and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. An in-person group education class was the original project design and with the restriction of SARS-CoV-2, alterations were made for the safety of the participating mothers and a decision to do a presentation style recording was alternatively implemented. Conclusion: While results did not show statistical significance, future research can continue to focus on the educational aspect of postpartum depression to help reduce stigma associated with the condition and improve the reporting of symptoms for earlier treatment intervention from providers.

Author Details

Shanda Hensley RN-BSN, DNP-FNP(student) and Dr. Whitney Robertson PhD, MBA

Sigma Membership

Non-member

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, Mental Health, Pregnant, Stigma, Education, Prenatal

Advisor

Robertson, Whitney

Second Advisor

Wade, Kari

Degree

DNP

Degree Grantor

Nebraska Methodist College

Degree Year

2020

Rights Holder

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Review Type

Faculty Approved: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Self-submission

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