Perceived healthcare providers' responsibility with postpartum depression: whose problem is it, anyway?

To explore public perceptions of healthcare providers' responsibilities in recognizing, screening, discussing, and making referrals for postpartum depression (PPD).

A total of 87 college students completed a questionnaire asking various questions related to perceptions of healthcare providers and PPD.

Participants perceived physicians and obstetricians/gynecologists as having more responsibility for recognizing and screening for PPD as compared to pediatricians and nurses. Participants also believed that physicians are deemed as most responsible for discussing symptoms of PPD and for making mental health referrals for PPD as compared to OB/GYNs, pediatricians, and nurses.

Public perceptions of healthcare providers' responsibilities with PPD offer additional information helpful for the efforts in identifying and treating PPD. Understanding which healthcare provider patients may look to for assistance with PPD allows practitioners to consolidate resources and play a more active role in working with PPD.