Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this dissertation is to examine attitudes, past practices, and perceived obstacles in addressing postpartum depression in the pediatric setting, from both pediatric and maternal perspectives. Method. Two separate instruments were used in this research. Pediatricians were given a 19-item questionnaire designed for this study, used to measure their attitudes about discussing mental health issues with new mothers, as well as to determine what, if any, supportive interventions they have offered mothers in the prevention or suspicion of postpartum depression in the mothers of their patients. Mothers were given a 25-item questionnaire designed for this study, to determine what, if any, supportive interventions their child's pediatrician offered toward the detection or prevention of postpartum depression. Statistical analyses including biserial correlation, analysis of variance and t-test were performed, and the effect of gender and ethnicity on both populations was examined. Results. Pediatricians are hesitant to incorporate screening for postpartum depression because of their concern about already existing time constraints as well as feelings of inadequacy in managing mental health issues, particularly postpartum depression. However, the data collected about past practices indicate that extra time spent during the well-baby visit appointment turns out to be an intervention most utilized. Mothers would be receptive to a formal screening tool administered by their child's pediatrician, though none surveyed for this study reported experiencing this protocol. Extra time spent during their child's appointment was the most popular response from mothers regarding past practices experienced in addressing postpartum depression. Future Recommendations. Assess the mental health training pediatric residents receive while in medical school, to reduce their discomfort when faced with mental health issues once they are in practice.