Web-based rule-based expert system to screen postpartum depression

Abstract

The high prevalence of postpartum depression significantly increases maternal morbidity. Lack of diagnosis for postpartum depression results in mothers missing early treatment necessary. The traditional screening method using questionnaire presents its own disadvantage in diagnosis. Therefore, development of postpartum screening method that focuses on ease in implementation is very much needed to improve postpartum maternal health. This paper proposes a screening information system for postpartum depression to help its proper treatment. This research employed the rule-based method to diagnose postpartum depression and the expert system to input symptoms data that will result in diagnoses. Respondents input symptoms data to be diagnosed by the system. The system then automatically generate output of suggested treatment based on expert input associated with the diagnoses the system is working on. This research employed the Randomized Control Trial method with Control Group Pre and Post Tests Design. Samples of this research were 52 postpartum mothers consisting of 26 respondents in the system group, and the other 26 in the manual group. Results show that 42.31% (n=11) of mothers suffer from postpartum depression. There is a significant difference in EPDS score prior to and after the use of the information system (P=0.000). The system also successfully generated very high TAM score, meaning that it is capable of postpartum screening along with ease of use and some other advantages. Therefore, screening for postpartum depression using information system is very effective and ensures proper and timely treatment.