Reducing perinatal disparities with early screening and intervention for Maternal Depression

The public health issue of maternal depression (MD) is an emerging international health priority. Screening, identification, and intervention can prevent long-term negative child outcomes as well as acute maternal psychotic episodes associated with suicidal ideation and infanticide. Women of childbearing age interact with service systems, yet no sector has assumed responsibility for the identification and treatment of MD. MD and co-occurring problems continue to be under diagnosed and untreated.

San Diego County Public Health Nurses routinely screen mothers for MD, many of whom are minority immigrant women. Access to care is limited for those who are under or uninsured. Large numbers of children may be exposed to the deleterious effects of MD including disruption in maternal child interaction and attachment, cognitive delays, behavior problems, injury, and high use of medical facilities. The program goal is to inform maternal child health policy, provide knowledge to communities about the mental health and social care access and utilization needs of this population, and improve health outcomes.

Four interrelated papers will be presented in order to: 1) describe the diverse population, mental health and social needs of women seeking mental health services; 2) identify programmatic and methodological challenges of conducting research with these families; 3) identify strategies to engage service systems that interact with women of childbearing age to assume responsibility for identification and treatment of MD and co-occurring problems; and 4) present several prevention/early interventions designed to address these needs in San Diego County and discuss the benefits to the underserved populations.