Towards Universal Screening for Postpartum Depression in China: Lessons Learned from a Comprehensive Prevention...

This study was conducted to assess the real-world efficacy of a universal programme for the prevention of postpartum depression (PPD) in Shenzhen. Given the lack of evidence on routine PPD screening and intervention in China, it sought to provide insights for programme planning and implementation, particularly in relation to achievement of the targets set by the first national guidelines for PPD prevention and treatment.

Using routine health information system data, the PPD screening, referral and intervention rates for 2015-2019 were calculated and compared to the programmes targets. Trends of variables were tested by using trend χ².

The programme screened 137,761 to 178,857 women for PPD every year with the coverage among all postpartum women increased steadily from 71.1% to 82. 5% (χ² = 10145.251, p < 0.001). The PPD-positive rate maintained between 4.06% and 4.89%. However, although referral messages were given to an increased percentage of PPD-positive women (χ² = 1090.908, p < 0.001), the intervention rate (i.e., referral uptake) were far lower than the programme target of 80%.

This study demonstrated high efficacy of Shenzhen's comprehensive PPD prevention programme initiated in 2013. The resultant rise in the screening rate among all postpartum women, together with a high referral rate of those screened positive, have contributed to the city's relatively low PPD prevalence. PPD screening and intervention should be included as part of basic public health services to ensure universal coverage and specific strategies should be adopted to ensure referral uptake.