Home Visits for Postpartum Depression Intervention among Low-Income Latinas: Results from the PST4PPD Project

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research shows that U.S. Latinas are at risk for high rates of postpartum depression (PPD) but have low rates of treatment compared to non-Hispanic White mothers. This study examined the feasibility of a multi-site home-visiting intervention (PST4PPD) conducted by bilingual community health workers (CHW) among low-income Latina mothers. A one-group, pre/posttest design and paired sample’s t-test were used to measure changes in depressive symptoms and self-efficacy for participants (n = 76) across five sites. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to assess depression; the New General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Maternal Efficacy Questionnaire measured general self-efficacy and parenting self-efficacy. Depression scores decreased significantly from pretest to posttest. Participants’ general self-efficacy, maternal self-efficacy, and PPD knowledge increased. With a 76% completion rate, demonstrable improvements were seen in participants’ depression and self-efficacy. Implications for addressing modifiable factors such as self-efficacy and stress management are discussed.