Screening and Referral for Postpartum Depression among Low-Income Women: A Qualitative Perspective from Community Health Workers

Rhonda C Boyd,James C Coyne,Marjie Mogul,Deena Newman

doi:10.1155/2011/320605

Abstract

Postpartum depression is a serious and common psychiatric illness. Mothers living in poverty are more likely to be depressed and have greater barriers to accessing treatment than the general population. Mental health utilization is particularly limited for women with postpartum depression and low-income, minority women. As part of an academic-community partnership, focus groups were utilized to examine staff practices, barriers, and facilitators in mental health referrals for women with depression within a community nonprofit agency serving low-income pregnant and postpartum women. The focus groups were analyzed through content analyses and NVIVO-8. Three focus groups with 16 community health workers were conducted. Six themes were identified: (1) screening and referral, (2) facilitators to referral, (3) barriers to referral, (4) culture and language, (5) life events, and (6) support. The study identified several barriers and facilitators for referring postpartum women with depression to mental health services.

Highlights

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious and common psychiatric disorder that can have negative effects on women, their children, and families
We present the findings of the focus groups and discuss the strategies for screening and assisting lowincome women with PPD to initiate mental health services
At an agency staff meeting, we presented an overview of the research program and focus group procedures

Summary

Introduction

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious and common psychiatric disorder that can have negative effects on women, their children, and families. Research has estimated that approximately 6.5%–13% of women develop depressive symptoms within the first postpartum year [2, 3]. There is consistent evidence indicating that women who have experienced PPD are at an increased risk for future episodes of depression than women who have not experienced PPD [4,5,6]. Women living in poverty generally show higher rates of PPD than women who are more financially affluent [7,8,9]. It is estimated that approximately 13.2% of the United States population lives below the poverty level [10]. Disadvantaged women are vulnerable since they may experience challenges in having their depression detected [11]

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Conclusion