Dissertation
Depression Screening in the Obstetrical Setting
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background: Perinatal depression (PND) is defined as an episode of major depression during pregnancy or up to a year after childbirth. Women with untreated PND are more likely to commit suicide, which is the leading cause of death in the perinatal period. Pregnancy is a time of maternal bio-psychological complexity in which untreated depressive symptoms can adversely impact prenatal attachment, birth outcomes, and breastfeeding difficulties, leading to increased risk for possible future poor developmental, psychiatric, and health outcomes for the offspring. Low birth weight, premature delivery, spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, and other adverse health consequences have been identified with greater incidence in conjunction with the diagnosis of PND. In the United States, self-reported rates of PND are around 13.2%, with higher rates reported in low-income women as high as 50%. Purpose: The project aimed to increase the identification of PND symptoms at the first perinatal appointment and the 28-week appointment, with referrals when indicated, utilizing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screener (EPDS). Methods: The project was conducted in an obstetrics clinic in a metropolitan city and was deemed not human subjects research. The population included pregnant individuals, and 683 EPDS screenings were completed between March and November 2024. Findings: Out of 683 completed EPDS forms, 103 screenings (15.08%) indicated the presence of PND symptoms. Of those, 82.52% resulted in referrals for further mental health evaluation or support services. The use of the EPDS led to increased identification of depressive symptoms and earlier intervention during pregnancy. Discussion: This project highlights the prevalence of depressive symptoms among pregnant individuals and supports the use of the EPDS as an effective screening tool during pregnancy. The results underscore the importance of routine screening at multiple points during the perinatal period, facilitating referrals and promoting improved maternal and infant outcomes. Early identification and intervention contributed to meaningful changes in practice.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Depression Screening in the Obstetrical Setting
- Creators
- Esther Huston - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Dan Wesemann (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Esther Huston
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841035502771
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