An intervention to reduce postpartum depressive symptoms: a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT: Depressive symptoms and depression are a common complication of childbirth, and a growing body of literature suggests that there are modifiable factors associated with their occurrence. We developed a behavioral educational intervention targeting these factors and successfully reduced postpartum depressive symptoms in a randomized trial among low-income black and Latina women. We now report results of 540 predominantly white, high-income mothers in a second randomized trial. Mothers in the intervention arm received a two-step intervention that prepared and educated mothers about modifiable factors associated with postpartum depressive symptoms (e.g., physical symptoms, low self-efficacy), bolstered social support, and enhanced management skills. The control arm received enhanced usual care

SUBMITTER: Howell EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3947932 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature