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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Jenn A. Leiferman, PhD¹, James F. Paulson, PhD², and Sarah E. Dauber, PhD². (1) School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 E 9th Ave, B119, Denver, CO 80262, 303-315-0731, jenn.leiferman@uchsc.edu, (2) Department of Pediatrics, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 855 W. Brambleton Ave, Norfolk, VA 23501

The relationship between maternal depression and compromised child health outcomes is well-established. Despite this knowledge, many mothers suffering from depression go undiagnosed and untreated. Because obstetricians, pediatricians, and family medicine practitioners have contact with mothers of small children and often advise mothers on family interactions, wellbeing issues (e.g. maternal depression) that affect the family environment are highly relevant to their practice. Despite opportunity and relevance, many physicians do not currently diagnose and/or treat maternal depression. Thus, the present study funded by AHRQ surveys pediatricians, obstetricians, and family medicine practitioners on their current attitudes, beliefs and practices toward the management of maternal depression. Approximately 900 physicians currently practicing medicine in Southeast Virginia were invited to complete a web-based survey. The 50 item survey assessed attitudes, beliefs, skills, current practices, and barriers (at three levels: physician, practice, system) toward diagnosing and treating maternal depression in primary care settings. Trends and patterns across and within specialties on current attitudes, beliefs, and practices toward managing maternal depression will be discussed. Overall, these findings will provide insight for future educational efforts to increase the knowledge base, enhance communication style, and address systemic barriers to increase detection rates of maternal depression in these specific practice settings.

Funded by AHRQ grant # 7 R03 HS015764-02

Learning Objectives:

• Identify current barriers toward diagnosing and treating maternal depression in primary care settings; 2)Identify current attitudes, beliefs, and practices toward managing maternal depression in primary care settings;
• discuss differences among specialties (e.g. obstetricians, pediatricians, and family medicine practitioners) regarding barriers and current practices toward managing maternal depression in primary care settings.

Keywords: Maternal Well-Being, Primary Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No