Identifying Maternal Depression in Pediatric Primary Care: Changes Over a Decade.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Mental Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Maternal depression affects 10-40% of mothers, impacting child development.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends pediatricians identify maternal depression.
• Pediatricians' practices for identifying maternal depression were examined in 2004 and 2013.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine trends in pediatricians inquiring about or screening for maternal depression.
• To identify factors associated with pediatricians screening for maternal depression.

Main Methods:

• Data from 778 general pediatricians in the 2004 and 2013 AAP Periodic Surveys.
• Analysis included physician/practice characteristics, training, and attitudes.
• Weighted descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of inquiring/screening for maternal depression increased from 33% to 44% (p < .01).
• Pediatricians inquiring about child depression were more likely to screen for maternal depression.
• Training in adult depression criteria and belief in family screening scope were associated with screening.

Conclusions:

• Maternal depression screening by pediatricians has increased but remains below 50%.
• This represents a missed opportunity for early identification and management.
• Further training on mental/family health's importance may improve identification rates.