Combining the Antenatal Risk Questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in Early Pregnancy in Danish Antenatal Care—A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Lotte Broberg (), Jane M. Bendix, Katrine Røhder, Ellen Løkkegaard, Mette Væver, Julie C. Grew, Helle Johnsen, Mette Juhl, Vibeke de Lichtenberg and Michaela Schiøtz
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Lotte Broberg: Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
Jane M. Bendix: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital—North Zealand, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark
Katrine Røhder: Center for Early Intervention and Family Research, Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
Ellen Løkkegaard: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital—North Zealand, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark
Mette Væver: Center for Early Intervention and Family Research, Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
Julie C. Grew: Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
Helle Johnsen: Department of Midwifery and Therapeutic Science, University College Copenhagen, Sigurdsgade 26, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
Mette Juhl: Department of Midwifery and Therapeutic Science, University College Copenhagen, Sigurdsgade 26, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
Vibeke de Lichtenberg: Department of Midwifery and Therapeutic Science, University College Copenhagen, Sigurdsgade 26, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
Michaela Schiøtz: Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 4, 1-14

Abstract: Pregnant women with a history of mental disorders, neglect, or low social support are at increased risk of mental health problems. It is crucial to identify psychosocial risk factors in early pregnancy to reduce the risk of short- and long-term health consequences for mother and child. The Antenatal Risk Questionnaire has been found acceptable as a psychosocial screening tool among pregnant women in Australia, but it has not been tested in a Scandinavian context. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of pregnant women when using the Antenatal Risk Questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale as part of a model to identify psychosocial vulnerabilities in pregnancy in Denmark. We conducted individual interviews ( n = 18) and used thematic analysis. We identified two main themes: (1) Feeling heard and (2) An occasion for self-reflection. Overall, the pregnant women deemed the online ANRQ/EPDS acceptable as a screening tool. The screening model provided a feeling of being heard and provided an occasion for self-reflection about mental health challenges related to pregnancy and motherhood. However, some women expressed that the screening raised concerns and fear of the consequences of answering honestly. A non-judgmental, open, emphatic, and reassuring approach by clinicians may help reduce stigma.

Keywords: mental health; depression; pregnancy; interview (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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