‘Next Stop: Mum’: Evaluation of a Postpartum Depression Prevention Strategy in Poland

Magdalena Chrzan-Dętkoś (), Natalia Murawska and Tamara Walczak-Kozłowska
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Magdalena Chrzan-Dętkoś: Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland
Natalia Murawska: Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland
Tamara Walczak-Kozłowska: Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 18, 1-12

Abstract: In the article we present a mid-point evaluation of the postpartum depression (PPD) prevention strategy in Poland. As PPD is associated with potential negative consequences for the mother and infant, the need to introduce screening and treatment is vital. The project covered over 21,500 women in the first year postpartum. The average score in the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), in a screening provided in direct contact, was 4.73 ( SD = 4.14, n = 7222), and increased in 55% of women in the follow-up study. In online screening the average score in the EPDS assessment was 16.05 ( SD = 5.975, n = 10,454). The ‘probable depression’ rate (EPDS > 12) in ‘direct’ contact is 7.3%, and on the online platform—77%. Additionally, 26% of possibly affected mothers assessed in ‘direct’ contact benefited from psychological consultations. The average score in the EPDS among mothers who benefitted from consultations is 16.24 ( SD =4.674, n = 231). Approx. 82% of healthcare providers raised their knowledge of PPD after training sessions. Maintaining the assumptions of the program: training for medical staff, screening conducted throughout the first twelve months postpartum, online platform with the possibility of self-screening and early psychological intervention seem to be justified actions, leading to a higher number of women with risk of PPD referred.

Keywords: longitudinal program evaluation; training for health professionals; the role of midwives; counselling support; online screening; postpartum depression (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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