 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Deborah A. Goebert, DrPH, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Hawaii, 1356 Lusitana Steet, 4th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813, Diane Thompson, MD, Chief of Serivce, Psycho Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory Institute, 1365 Clifton Rd, Building C, Atlanta, GA 30322, LeighAnn Frattarelli, MD, School of Medicine, Department of OB/GYN and Women's Health, Unversity of Hawaii, Kapiolani Medical Center, 1319 Punahou Street, Honolulu, HI 96826, Mai Anh Nguyen, MD, School of Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, University of Hawaii, 1356 Lusitana Street, 4th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813, and Nancy Partika, MPH, Hawai'i Public Health Association, 345 Queen Street, Suite 601, Honolulu, HI 96814, 808-951-5805, nancyp@hmhb-hawaii.org.
Postpartum depression is a common and often overlooked condition. Validated screening tools for postpartum depression exist but are not commonly used. This study assessed psychiatric and primary care (Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology) physicians' knowledge about postpartum depression. A brief survey was distributed at educational venues in Hawaii. The survey contained questions about rates for depression, the "blues", postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis as well as questions about symptoms, medications and treatment for depression during pregnancy and postpartum. One hundred providers completed the survey of which 53 were attendings 47 were residents. Screening varied significantly by specialization with 71% of obstetricians / gynecologists, 63% of Psychiatrists and 20% of family practitioners / internal medicine physicians (X2=18.9, df=4, p<0.001). Generally, physicians screened by asking, "how have you been feeling?" Less than 20% recognized validated screening tools. Seventy-six percent underestimated the occurrence of postpartum blues. Physicians had accurate understanding of risk factors as well as pharmaceutical and psychotherapeutic treatment modalities. Less than half (48%) was aware of referral sources and less than 30% felt these referral options were effective. Continuing medical education on screening and treatment as well as consultation systems need to be developed and implemented.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Primary Care, Pregnancy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.