Date of this Version

2024

Document Type

DNP Project

Rights

default

Abstract

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health concern that affects approximately 10-20% of new mothers worldwide, manifesting as persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, and other symptoms that can interfere with daily life and hinder maternal-infant bonding. Despite its prevalence and the availability of evidence-based prevention and management strategies, many healthcare providers remain inadequately trained in recognizing PPD risk factors and implementing appropriate interventions. This quality improvement project aimed to address this gap by enhancing clinicians' understanding of PPD prevention guidelines through a targeted educational intervention conducted at an outpatient psychiatric-mental health clinic in Miami, Florida. The project utilized a descriptive, cross-sectional pre- and post-test study design, employing the Postpartum Depression Literacy Scale (PoDLiS) to assess changes in knowledge. Five healthcare providers participated in the project, which included a brief educational session followed by a post-intervention assessment. Results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in knowledge and awareness of PPD risk factors, symptoms, and evidence-based prevention strategies with mean pre-test scores (M = 3.84, SD = 0.99) increased to post-test scores (M = 4.23, SD = 1.80), as confirmed by a paired samples t-test (t(30) = -4.88, p = 0.000). These findings suggest that targeted education cannot only reduce knowledge gaps among clinicians but also encourage more open conversations about mental health, leading to better support for affected mothers. The need for ongoing professional development in maternal mental health is evident to ensure timely detection and management of PPD, ultimately improving outcomes for both mothers and infants.

Keywords: postpartum depression, maternal mental health, healthcare education, quality improvement, prevention strategies

Download

Share

COinS
 

Rights Statement

Rights Statement

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).