Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #115082

Kathryn J. Luchok, PhD¹, Marie Meglen, MS, CNM², Lucy Ridgeway, MSN, MPH³, Marlene Mackey, PhD, RN, FAAN⁴, Winifred W. Thompson, MSW¹, and Margaret Ehlers, MSPH⁵. (1) Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, 800 Sumter Street HESC 216, Columbia, SC 29208, 803-777-8519, kluchok@sc.edu, (2) Palmetto Health Healthy Start, Prematurity Prevention Program, 223 Stoneridge, Columbia, SC 29210, (3) Palmetto Health Healthy Start, 223 Stoneridge, Columbia, SC 29210, (4) College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Williams Brice Building, Room 516, Columbia, SC 29208, (5) Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, 2221 Devine St., Columbia, SC 29208

Background: Depression is common yet often unrecognized in pregnancy, and is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. The March of Dimes-funded Prematurity Prevention Program (PPP) takes a unique holistic view in preventing prematurity by considering psychosocial as well as medical risk factors, and then crafting an individualized service plan for each woman deemed at risk. The service plan is then implemented by Healthy Start Resource Mothers, assisted by social workers, who provide supportive listening, advice and referrals to help clients deal with personal, social, financial, and medical problems they may face.

Methods: Women presenting at local prenatal clinics are screened for various risk factors. Those identified to be at risk are invited to participate in the PPP. Once enrolled, the more intensive screening includes administration of the CESD to determine level of depressive symptoms.

Results: Of the 294 screened to date, the mean CESD score is 15.89 (>15 is considered high), with 46.6% reporting high levels of depressive symptoms. Those with high scores are monitored by social workers, and referred for clinical treatment when needed. The Resource Mothers assist women in meeting the circumstantial needs that may foster depressive symptoms in this largely minority low income population.

Conclusion: Depression is only one of the problems addressed in the Prematurity Prevention Program. Early detection of depressive symptoms can help women improve situations that lead to depression, and seek clinical treatment when warranted. Dealing with this problem in pregnancy can promote healthier pregnancies and lead to better health outcomes for mothers and babies.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, the participant will be able to (
• describe the prevalence of depressive symptoms in this low income population; (
• recognize the importance of addressing depressive symptoms during pregnancy; and (
• evaluate how a holistic program can help to address the needs of this population to reduce depressive symptoms and lead to better outcomes for mothers and babies.

Keywords: Depression, Low-Income

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.