Primary care physicians' beliefs and practices toward maternal depression

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Education
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Maternal depression significantly impacts mothers and offspring, underscoring the need for effective primary care management.
• Despite recognized importance, primary care physicians (PCPs) often underdiagnose and undertreat maternal depression.
• A gap exists between the opportunity for care and actual care delivery for maternal depression in primary care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationships among PCPs' beliefs, knowledge, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers related to managing maternal depression.
• To identify factors influencing PCPs' practices in diagnosing and treating maternal depression.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 232 PCPs (obstetricians, pediatricians, family medicine) in Southeastern Virginia was conducted in 2006.
• The survey assessed demographics, attitudes, beliefs, self-efficacy, practices, and perceived barriers concerning maternal depression management.
• Statistical analyses (Chi-square, ANOVAs) compared knowledge, beliefs, self-efficacy, barriers, training, and management practices across specialties.

Main Results:

• Over 90% of physicians acknowledged responsibility for recognizing maternal depression.
• However, 40% rarely/never assessed for depression, and 66% rarely/never provided referrals.
• Significant differences in beliefs, perceived barriers, and management practices were observed among different physician specialties.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight a disconnect between perceived responsibility and actual practices in managing maternal depression.
• Intervention strategies are needed to enhance physician skills and practices for maternal depression in primary care.
• Addressing these gaps is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes.