Follow-up interviews also were completed with 76 of the 223 mothers who initially screened negative. Of note, 6 women, or 8%, screened positive at follow-up.
Among the 21 mothers with an at-risk EPDS score at the initial screening during their infant’s hospitalization, 8 (38%) women took the advice to have a follow-up discussion about their risk for postpartum depression. This was typically with their personal physician, presumably because they felt more comfortable talking about the problem with a professional with whom there was already an established relationship, Dr. Trost said. On follow-up EPDS screening, those women showed a significant reduction from their baseline scores down to levels below the threshold for concern. In contrast, the change over time in EPDS scores in the 13 women who didn’t seek help was unimpressive, although the small sample size – just 21 mothers – must be noted, she said.
One audience member suggested that the intervention part of the program would be much more effective – and the follow-up rate higher – if the mental health referral resources could be incorporated into the initial infant hospitalization. Dr. Trost agreed, adding that she is looking into bringing in on-site small-group sessions.
She reported having no financial conflicts regarding this study, which was conducted free of commercial support.