Prevention Of Postpartum Depression Research Articles

The Importance of Screening in Prevention of Postpartum Depression.

The article's abstract is not available.

Identification of Components related to Mother-Infant Relationship to Prevent Postpartum Depression: A Qualitative Study

Background: Postpartum depression is the most common psychological complication after childbirth. The mother-infant relationship and its challenges are one of the most critical risk factors of postpartum depression. Given the importance of attachment theory in explaining the mother-infant relationship, the present study aimed to identify the components related to mother-infant relationship in order to prevent postpartum depression. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, based on the qualitative method and inductive content analysis approach, individual interviews were conducted with four groups of pregnant mothers (n=6), mothers with infants (n=5), pediatricians (n​​=3), and psychologists (n=3). The data were coded and extracted. During the second stage, the relevant literature in the field of attachment was reviewed using desk research, whereby the components were extracted. Finally, based on the findings of these two stages, themes related to the mother-infant relationship were identified. Results: The most important overlapping themes obtained from the two stages of the study included attachment to the fetus, anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum, child care, reception of support, and the impact of the relationship with parents which were identified as the main themes related with the mother-infant relationship. Conclusion: Considering the importance of mother-infant relationship as a postpartum depression risk factor, the present study strived to identify the main components of this relationship from the perspective of research literature, along with a qualitative study, to identify the real needs of mothers to be used as a basis for subsequent interventions.

Expected research in the workplace among Japanese female workers: A cross-sectional online survey based on the framework of patient and public involvement

This study aimed to investigate the work-related health and social problems among Japanese female workers and the expected research in the workplace. A cross-sectional study using an Internet survey was conducted on female workers in Japan. Using an original questionnaire, we obtained data on "a system that can be used by female workers," "female workers' problems (physical symptoms, mental symptoms, menstrual problems, pregnancy/childbirth problems, work-life balance, etc.)," and "expected research in the workplace." The last two were compared using the chi-square test and considering demographic characteristics (age, marital status, having children, having preschool children, employment status, occupation). We conducted the chi-square test to examine the relationship between the presence of symptoms and four expected studies. The survey was carried out in July 2019 by using a patient and public involvement (PPI) framework in medical research. We obtained 416 responses that highlighted that those who have work-related problems also have physical symptoms (89%), menstrual problems (65%), psychiatric symptoms (49%), and work-life balance problems (39%), followed by career as well as pregnancy and childbirth concerns (38%). Regarding the system, the respondents' usage rate was an infertility treatment communication card (0%), flextime and telework (1 to 3%), menstrual leave (4%), and short-time work system (8%). Expected workplace studies included "Research to ease stiff shoulders and back pain" (45%), "Research to improve women's mental health" (41%), "Research on menstruation and work performance" (35%), and "Research to improve work-life balance" (34%). Expectations for research on "mental health" and "menstruation" were high among subjects in their 20s and 30s, with no spouse or children, and working full-time. Among those who lived with preschoolers, expectations for research on "mental support after childbirth," "physical support after childbirth," and "prevention of postpartum depression" were significantly higher, but research related to work-life balance was not remarkably different. There was a significant association between having menstrual problems, work-life balance challenges, and study expectations. However, the percentage of those experiencing certain symptoms who expected workplace studies was about 48%. Menstruation-related symptoms are frequently observed to make work difficult and it is expected that health issues, such as mental and physical conditions related to gynecology, will be the subject of future research regarding female workers. However, discrepancies between having difficulties and whether or not they wish to accept research in the workplace should be carefully considered in each context.

Recommendations for the prevention and treatment of postpartum depression.

Epidemiological data clearly indicate that depression is becoming an increasingly important health and social problem today. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression currently affects 350 million people worldwide and is considered the second most common cause of disability in Europe after ischemic heart disease. It is estimated that this health problem may affect as many as five million people in Poland. The gap between the reported number of patients treated and the prevalence of depression, highlights the scale of unmet needs. With the limited availability of specialists in psychiatric care, the most appropriate measures seem to be those aimed at increasing the competence of doctors of other specialties in the diagnosis and treatment of depression. Early detection and treatment results in faster remission, reduces relapses and mortality. The recommendations concerning prevention of depression were commissioned by the Polish Ministry of Health as a part of the Depression Prevention Program for 2016-2020. The Program has developed recommendations addressed to specialists in various fields of medicine, other than psychiatry, focusing on three risk groups: children and adolescents, women in the perinatal period and the elderly. These recommendations focus on the management of suspected postpartum depression and provide specific guidelines for medical staff having contact with pregnant and postpartum women (gynecologists, midwives, pediatricians).

Can Vitamin B6 Help to Prevent Postpartum Depression? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background:A low level of vitamin B6 may theoretically cause symptoms of depression.Aims:To investigate the effect of vitamin B6 on the prevention of postpartum depression (PPD) among mothers at risk for PPD.Methods:This single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 81 pregnant women who were at risk of PPD from February to July 2016 at six selected health centers in Isfahan, Iran. A simple random sampling method was adopted. Forty cases and 41 controls received 80 mg vitamin B6 and placebo, respectively from the 28th week until the end of pregnancy. The risk of PPD was assessed as the main inclusion criteria using a structured clinical interview using hospital anxiety-depressive scale (HADS), social support appraisals scale (SS-A), and Holmes and Rahe life change and stress evaluation questionnaire (HRLCSEQ). The Edinburgh postpartum depression scale (EPDS) was used to assess the rate of depression prior to and 1.5 months after the intervention (end of pregnancy). Data were analyzed using SPSS 20 and statistical tests (Chi-square, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney's, and Exact Fisher Test).Results:Forty-three subjects were assigned to each group and the final analysis comprised 81 subjects (40 in the case and 41 in the control groups), the mean age of the case and control groups being 5.8 ± 29.6 and 4.6 ± 28.2, respectively. The mean depression score was 10.4 ± 1.4 in the case and 9.3 ± 4.2 in control groups (P = 0.34) before and 4.2 ± 2.7 in the case and 10.4 ± 3.4 in control groups (P < 0.001) after intervention.Conclusions:Vitamin B6 has a positive effect on reducing postpartum depression scores among mothers at risk for PPD. These may be clinically useful for preventing PPD in high-risk women.

Postpartum Depression: Far Reaching Impact and the Role of Empowerment

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public and mental health issue, with long-lasting effects on mothers and children. It is expected to be the second largest problem among all general health issues by the year 2030 and 10% - 20% of new mothers experience PPD globally. Early intervention has shown to be effective yet the consensus on best practice is not clear. This systematic review aimed to synthesize prior research to provide practical recommendations for the best practices for both intervention and prevention of PPD. The following databases were scanned: PsychiatryOnline, PsycArticles, PsycBooks, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, ERIC, and EBSCO. The search included the following keywords: postpartum depression, postpartum mental health, risk factors, intervention, prevention, efficacy, group therapy and empowerment, and perinatal and postnatal. The PRISMA checklist was used to screen studies for inclusion. Using the described search strategy, 45 articles were identified for synthesis. The following themes emerged in the literature: a variety of approaches focus on empowerment, and perceived competency. These themes appeared across various at-risk groups and in different cultural and socioeconomic groups. Recommendations for further investigation include the development of targeted treatment approaches, defining and objectifying maternal empowerment and self-efficacy, and the development of standardized training to improve provider competency so as to benefit mothers, children, communities, and the psychological community at large.

Questionnaire to Assess Knowledge, Attitude, and Prevention Behaviors of Taiwanese Postpartum Women Regarding Postpartum Depression

Aim: Postpartum depression is a highly prevalent disorder, and it has been recognized as a public health problem. In Chinese culture, after childbirth, women must stay at home for postpartum confinement. However, more than 50% of postpartum women tend to experience depression symptoms 3–4 days after delivery. Although the prevention and causes of postpartum depression have been extensively studied, the assessment tools used are usually based on Western cultures. A Chinese-version assessment scale was necessary. The objective of this study was to develop a culturally sensitive questionnaire for assessing the knowledge, attitude, and prevention behaviors toward postpartum depression of Taiwanese women, and examined the associations among postpartum depression knowledge, attitude, and prevention. Methods: Two-phase study was conducted. First, a postpartum depression scale was developed and its reliability and validity were tested in 50 people. Second, 639 postpartum women from seven hospitals were asked to complete the questionnaire. Results: The questionnaire, which contained four subscales and 16 questions (Cronbach's α = .82–.84), was administered in the postpartum room and required 5–10 min for completion. This questionnaire showed face validity and high acceptance, the factor analysis showed that the questionnaire has acceptable structural reliability. High scores on the postpartum depression knowledge and attitude subscales were associated with higher prevention behavior subscale scores. Conclusion: The finding of this questionnaire is an effective tool for determining postpartum women’s understanding of postpartum depression. Understanding postpartum depression knowledge, attitude and prevention are essential to assess and promote the postnatal care

Знания среднего медицинского персонала о послеродовой депрессии: систематический обзор

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of non-psychotic disorder that develops after childbirth with negative consequences for physiological, social and psychological development of the children. The global prevalence of PPD today equals approximately 17.22%. However, almost one half of all cases remain undetected. Healthcare providers can help to reduce the prevalence of PPD by identifying and educating women about the risks and treatment of PPD. The review is the first Russian-language study of systematic selection and qualitative synthesis of the studies in the field of nursing staff knowledge about PPD published from January 2000 to November 2020. The search was conducted in such eligible databases as MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMBASE, Cinahl, eLIBRARY using the keywords “postpartum depression”, “knowledge”, “detection of postpartum depression”. As a result of the search, it was revealed that knowledge on postpartum depression was superficial in over one half of the midwives and nurses participating in the reviewed studies (n=1777). This result indicates the need to develop and implement training programmes for prevention of postpartum depression among medical personnel. The small amount of unique results underlines the need for further research on the knowledge of postpartum depression among midwives and nurses

Promising leads and pitfalls: a review of dietary supplements and hormone treatments to prevent postpartum blues and postpartum depression.

Prevention of postpartum depression (PPD) is important because it typically has a 13% prevalence rate, impactful immediate symptoms with greater risk of suicide, and higher long-term risk of psychiatric symptoms in both the mother and family. There are no universal approaches across all childbearing women that have proven to be preventative for PPD, so it is hoped that dietary and/or hormonal interventions will be developed. There are some effective preventative approaches for PPD, such as psychotherapy and medical management, for the highest risk cases, like when there is a past history of a major depressive episode. The purpose is to review studies that assess dietary and hormonal interventions for prevention of PPD and/or postpartum blues, a high-risk state for PPD. Studies that assess dietary and hormonal interventions for prevention of PPD which included a comparison group were reviewed,including omega-3 fatty acids, mineral and vitamin supplements, amino acid combinations, allopregnanolone, progesterone, and thyroxine. Presently, development of dietary supplements and hormonal products for prevention of PPD is at an early stage with most trials showing results that are either preliminary, not definitive, trend level or variable across studies. Even so, a few directions are not recommended for further investigation such as progesterone and thyroxine. On the other hand, studies of allopregnanolone for prophylaxis of PPD are needed. Also, given the number of trend level findings and the multifactorial etiology of PPD, it may be prudent to investigate combined interventions rather than monotherapies. There is still a major need to develop a dietary supplement that creates resiliency against the biological changes in early postpartum associated with risk for mood disorders and/or PPD.

Home-based nursing for improvement of quality of life and depression in patients with postpartum depression.

BACKGROUNDPostpartum depression is a common mental illness in puerpera, with an incidence of approximately 3.5%-33.0% abroad, and the incidence of postpartum depression in China is higher than the international level, reaching 10.0%-38.0%. Providing effective nursing care in clinical nursing activities is one of the key points of obstetrical care. However, little research has been designed to investigate the positive role of home-based nursing in the prevention of postpartum depression .AIMTo study the effect of home-based nursing for postpartum depression patients on their quality of life and depression. METHODSThe clinical data of 92 patients with postpartum depression treated at our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were grouped according to the nursing methods used; 40 patients receiving basic nursing were included in a basic nursing group, and 52 receiving home-based nursing were included in a home-based nursing group. Depression and anxiety were evaluated and compared between the two groups. The estradiol (E2), serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), and progesterone (PRGE) levels were measured.RESULTSThe SAS and SDS scores of the home-based nursing group were significantly lower than those of the basic nursing group (P < 0.05). The E2 and 5-HT levels of the home-based nursing group were significantly higher than those of the basic nursing group, but the PRGE level was significantly lower than that of the basic nursing group. The GQOLI-74 scores (material, social, somatic, and psychological) and nursing satisfaction were significantly higher in the home-based nursing group (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONPostpartum depression through home-based nursing can effectively alleviate depression and improve the quality of life of patients, help modulate their serum E2, 5-HT, and PRGE levels, and improve their satisfaction with nursing care.

Nursing strategies for the prevention of postpartum depression

Objective: The study’s main purpose has been to identify the strategies used by the registered nurses for the prevention of postpartum depression. Methods: It is an integrative literature review that was performed in the following databases of the Virtual Health Library: the Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) [Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences], Base de Dados de Enfermagem (BDENF) (Nursing Database) using the descriptors: “depressão pós-parto” and “enfermagem”; and in the database named Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), through the following descriptors: “depression postpartum” and “nursing”. Results: The sample consisted of nine studies. The categorization of each work was performed according to their similarities; accordingly, two categories were created for data analysis: User embracement as a strategy for the prevention of postpartum depression; and, The group of pregnant women as an experience-sharing space. Conclusion: Preventing postpartum depression is an easy-to-approach action, with low cost and feasible execution during nurses’ professional practice.

Assessing the quality of mobile applications targeting postpartum depression in China.

Postpartum depression is a serious mental illnessdisorder that occurs after delivery and is one of the most common post-partum complications. With the increasing popularity and extensive use of smartphones worldwide and the fact that China has become the country with the largest number of smartphone users, it is necessary to have a deep understanding of the use and influence of smartphones and discuss the role of smartphone applications in postpartum depression. This study evaluated and analysed the contents of all postpartum depression applications available in China, applying the US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement (Interventions to Prevent Perinatal Depression) and expert consensus on the guidelines for the prevention and treatment of postpartum depression. We used the keywords 'postpartum depression; and 'PPD' to search Android, iOS, and WeChat in the Chinese application market. Two reviewers agreed on the coding guidelines and coded the content and functionality of the application through content analysis to determine its intervention and adherence to the guidelines. In addition, we used the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) to evaluate the application for engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information domains and recorded the features of the postpartum depression application. The current findings suggest that despite the recent expansion of smartphone platforms and increased availability of applications, existing Chinese apps for postpartum depression have low levels of adherence to clinical practice-based guidelines. New apps need to be developed, and existing apps need to be revised following evidence-based principles.

NURSING PERFORMANCE IN PREVENTING POST-DELIVERY DEPRESSION

Introduction: Becoming a mother entails significant physical and emotional changes that intensify throughout pregnancy and the puerperal period periodo. The pregnancy-puerperal period may favor or intensify the occurrence of psychological distress in women and even more severe conditions, such as postpartum depression (PPD). In developed countries, PPD affects 10 % to 15 % of women; In Brazil, the prevalence of postpartum depression ranged from 5 % to 9 % in 2016. Objective: To identify how nurses act in the prevention of postpartum depression. Methodology: Integrative literature review study with partial data from the study “Nursing care in the prevention and care of women with postpartum depression”. We searched the MEDLINE, LILACS, BDENF databases using the combination of descriptors: “Nursing”, “Nursing Care”, “Women’s Health”, “Prenatal Care”, “Postpartum Depression”, “Period Post childbirth”. From the 845 articles found, ten articles were selected to compose the final study sample, all primary studies published between 2008 and 2018 and answering the guiding question of the research: how the nurse acts in the prevention of postpartum depression. Results: The puerperium is considered a period of risk for physiological and psychological changes, so it is essential to have qualified nursing care based on prevention of complications, physical and emotional comfort and health education, encouraging women in coping and adaptation in the transition to maternity. The initial approach to the mother in psychic distress usually occurs in primary care; Thus, it is essential that nurses have the competence to identify signs of psychological distress and can plan and implement a care plan for the identified needs. In prenatal nursing consultations, it is important to have a closer relationship based on respect and ethics. When conducting health education groups and actions, nurses favor a space for sharing fears, anxieties and experiences, providing the clarification of doubts and the exchange of experiences between future mothers. Nurses should provide guidance, provide emotional support to women and their families during the period of preconception and pregnancy-puerperal. Conclusions/ Considerations: The nurse can prevent PPD by early identifying more vulnerable women even in preconception. Nursing consultations, conducting group approaches mainly in primary care and home visits directed at women and their families are fundamental for early identification and implementation of interventions

Is Vitamin D Status Associated with Depression, Anxiety and Sleep Quality in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review.

Background:Women's mental health is a significant health issue for pregnant women during and after pregnancy. Postpartum depression (PPD) is defined as the presence of depression in the 1st year after delivery. This study reviews the relationship between Vitamin D levels, anxiety and poor sleep quality related to pregnancy.Materials and Methods:A systematic search was conducted on documents presented in PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Web of Science databases until March 2020. Three separate search paths were considered for three different disorders with particular keywords. All observational studies that investigate the relationship between Vitamin D levels and PPD, sleep disorders, and anxiety were selected for inclusion in the study.Results:Search yielded 14 eligible studies. Quality of most included studies was medium to high. Nine studies reported that Vitamin D deficiency was directly associated to the incidence of PPD and sleep disorders. One study reported an indirect association, and three researches did not observe any association between Vitamin D status, sleep disorders and PPD. One study reported a direct association to anxiety but did not have any relation to PPD.Conclusions:PPD and sleep quality during pregnancy associated to Vitamin D deficiency directly. Although studies have several limitations, the importance of sufficient Vitamin D status in pregnant women has been addressed in all studies, especially regarding the prevention of PPD, anxiety, and poor sleep quality during the pregnancy.

Sociocultural stressors across the perinatal period and risk for postpartum depressive symptoms in women of Mexican descent.

In the United States, women of Mexican descent are affected by postpartum depression at disproportionate rates, often two to three times higher than the general population. Sociocultural stressors may contribute to this disparity. Traditionally, these stressors are measured at a single time point, and it is unknown if sociocultural stressors change from pregnancy to the postnatal period and if they are related to postpartum depressive symptoms. Pregnant women of Mexican descent (N = 159) were assessed for acculturation (Mexican and Anglo orientation), perceived discrimination, acculturative stress, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms during the first trimester and postpartum period. Women reported increases in Mexican orientation, t(126) = -3.503, p = .01, and decreases in acculturative stress, t(159) = -3.503, p < .001, and perceived stress, t(159) = 6.332, p < .001, from pregnancy to postpartum. Only increases in Mexican orientation were associated with less postpartum depressive symptoms (R² = 0.050, B = -2.210, SE = 0.996, t = -2.120, p = .028), even when controlling for covariates. In addition, postnatal measurements of elevated acculturative stress and less Mexican orientation (R² = 0.127, B = 0.133, SE = 0.036, t = 3.721, p < .001; B = -2.194, SE = 0.769, t = -2.853, p < .001, respectively) were associated with more postpartum depressive symptoms; however, only Mexican orientation remained significant after covariates. Sociocultural stressors change across the perinatal period and contribute to postpartum depressive symptoms. Findings implicate a need for consideration of sociocultural stressors in postpartum depression prevention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Postpartalna depresija i poremećaji štitaste žlezde

Introduction: Postpartum depression negatively affects a woman's quality of life and the development of a relationship with her child, which can have far-reaching consequences on the cognitive, behavioral and emotional development of the child. Etiology includes genetic predisposition, sudden hormonal changes, and sociodemographic factors. Case report: A 28-year-old patient, married, mother of a one-month-old boy. She graduated from the High school of economics, unemployed. She appears in the family medicine clinic due to chronic fatigue and bad mood, at the insistence of her husband, who thinks that she needs professional help. She grew up in a harmonious family. He gets along well with his wife, there are no existential problems. It denies previous illnesses. Neat appearance, inconspicuous posture and behavior, psychomotor diskette slowed down, more sparse spontaneous verbalization, slightly compromised volitional instinctual dynamisms, lowered basic mood. In the laboratory findings, hypothyroidism with elevated thyroid peroxidase antibody and antithyreoglobulin antibodies is detected. The thyroid ultrasound verifies the right lobe of 46x14x15mm, the left lobe of 48x13x12mm, inhomogeneous and easily hypoechoic structure. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale indicates the presence of depression (total score 18). The patient is referred for a consultative examination by a psychiatrist and a nuclear medicine specialist. Psychiatrist indicates the introduction of Sertralin 50 mg tablets (1x1/2 for the first seven days, then 1x1) and Bromasepam tablets 1,5 mg (2x1/2), nuclear specialist Levotiroskin sodium tablets 50 mcg (1x1/2 for 5 days and 1x1 for 2 days). After six months, withdrawal of the symptoms of the disease and exclusion of therapy by a psychiatrist. Conclusion: Autoimmune thyroid disease is a significant and often unrecognized cause of postpartum depression. Early detection and timely therapeutic intervention of these have a significant role in the prevention and successful treatment of postpartum depression.

Proportion and Factors of Postpartum Depression Among Cesarean Section Versus Vaginal Deliveries: Institutional Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: postpartum depression is a severe health problem which affects both developing and developed countries. It is one of the diseases which affect women after the delivery of their baby and difficult to manage because of the presence of postpartum blues. Objective: To assess the proportion and factors of postpartum depression following normal vaginal deliveries and cesarean section among postnatal women at Finoteselam Hospital, April 05, 2018–May 20, 2018. Result: The proportion of postpartum depression among postpartum women was 13% of which 9.1% and 3.9% for vaginal and cesarean delivery respectively. In this study; previous history of postpartum depression [AOR=5.498 (1.843-16.405)], no domestic violence [AOR=0.250 (0.065-0.956)], women who faced negative life event [AOR=17.322 (4.753-63.135)], previous history of two abortion [AOR=0.160 (0.034-0.746). Previous history of mental illness, [AOR=.187 (0.053-0.659)], being at the level of secondary education [AOR=8.818 (1.596-48.716)] and husband support during pregnancy [AOR=.048 (.014-.164)] had an association with postpartum depression. All the individual Edinburgh postnatal depression scale score mean values were higher for the cesarean group which was 6.97 when compared to the vaginal delivery group was 5.865. Conclusion: Prevalence of postnatal depression was comparably high in vaginal deliveries compared to cesarean sections. By revealing the prevalence and factors that determine postpartum depression, this study recommended interventions like Integration of mental health service with existing maternal health care and health institutions to prevent Postpartum depression at Finoteselam Hospital.

Preventing Postpartum Depression With Mindful Self-Compassion Intervention: A Randomized Control Study.

Mindfulness and self-compassion are reported to have a preventive effects on depression and anxiety disorders. In the present study, we aimed to assess the effect of mindful self-compassion intervention on preventing postpartum depression in a group of symptomatic pregnant women. Participants were screened and assigned to the intervention and control groups randomly. A 6-week Internet-based Mindful Self-Compassion Program was used to train the participants. Multiple scales were used to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms, mindfulness, self-compassion, and mother and infant well-being. All assessments were performed at three time points: baseline, 3 months, and 1 year postpartum. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significant improvement in depressive and anxiety behaviors. In addition, the intervention group became more mindful and self-compassionate at 3 months and 1 year postpartum. More importantly, both mothers and infants experienced substantial improvement in well-being. Our findings indicate that mindful self-compassion intervention is effective in preventing postpartum depression and promoting mother and infant well-being.

Postpartum Depression: Prevention strategies in South East Asia and its possibility of replication in Nepal

Aims: To identify existing interventions in South East Asian countries implemented to prevent postpartum depression (PPD) and explore the possibility of replication of such interventions in Nepal to reduce it. Methods: The paper reviewed the risk factors and preventive strategies implemented in South East Asian countries to prevent PPD. Results: Enough actions have not been taken to address PPD despite of high prevalence in the reviewed countries (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Srilanka and Nepal). However, some of the interventions used such as cognitive behavior therapy, education for girls, poverty alleviation program, participatory approach for empowerment and involvement of community health workers have shown positive impact on reducing PPD. Conclusions: The interventions used in South East Asian countries were simple in design intervention and mostly conducted through community health workers; it showed a possibility of replication in Nepal as it already has sufficient community workforces working in maternal and child health. Keywords: interventions, maternal depression, maternal mental health, post–partum depression, prevention, south asia, strategies

Be a Mom, a Web-Based Intervention to Prevent Postpartum Depression: Results From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Be a Mom is a self-guided web-based intervention, grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy, delivered to postpartum women to prevent persistent postpartum depression [PPD] symptoms. We aimed to evaluate Be a Mom in terms of its preliminary efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability. A pilot randomized, two-arm controlled trial was conducted. Eligible women (presenting PPD risk-factors and/or early-onset PPD symptoms) were enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to the intervention (Be a Mom) or to the waiting-list control group. Participants in both groups completed baseline (T1) and postintervention (T2) assessments. The 194 women presenting risk factors/early-onset PPD symptoms were allocated to the intervention (n = 98) or to the control (n = 96) group. A significant Time × Group interaction effect was found for both depressive and anxiety symptoms, with women in the intervention group presenting a larger decrease in symptoms from T1 to T2 (p < .05). Less than half of the women (41.8%) completed Be a Mom. Most women (71.4%) would use Be a Mom again if needed. Results provide preliminary evidence of the Be a Mom’s efficacy, acceptability and feasibility, although further research is needed to establish Be a Mom as a selective/indicative preventive intervention for persistent PPD.