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Positive Depression Screening at the First Prenatal Visit in a Low-Income Primarily Black Population

Mitchell V Edwards, Hannah K Campbell, Collin R Miller

    Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
    |February 14, 2022
    PubMed

    Insights

    A significant 32% of women in an urban, low-income population screened positive for depression during their first prenatal visit. This highlights an urgent need for integrated mental health services, especially for vulnerable mothers.

    Area of Science:

    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Psychiatry
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • High rates of race disparities in infant and maternal mortality exist in underserved regions.
    • Mental health services integration into prenatal care is crucial for vulnerable populations.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To document the prevalence of positive depression screens at the first prenatal visit.
    • To identify factors associated with positive depression screens in an urban, low-income, primarily Black population.

    Main Methods:

    • Cross-sectional chart review of 500 patients.
    • Utilized the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for screening.
    • Collected demographic and medical history data.

    Main Results:

    • 32% of 414 patients with completed EPDS screened positive for depression.
    • Positive screens were associated with smoking, illicit drug use, and pre-existing mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder).
    • Women with prior pregnancies and positive screens were more likely to have a history of postpartum depression.

    Conclusions:

    • A high prevalence of positive depression screens was observed in this vulnerable population.
    • There is a critical need to strengthen mental health services within prenatal care settings.
    • Early identification and intervention are essential for improving maternal mental health outcomes.

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