Nurses perceived preparedness to screen, intervene, and refer women with suspected postpartum depression

Objective: Postpartum depression affects many women worldwide, and screening initiatives for its detection are being implemented in several places. Although perceived preparedness to carry out an intervention is essential for successful implementation, the perceived preparedness of those who conduct screening initiatives for postpartum depression has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the perceived preparedness of Israeli Mother-and-Child Health Clinic public health nurses to screen postpartum women for postpartum depression symptoms, conduct an initial intervention and refer women, as well as factors associated with this perceived preparedness. Design: This was a cross sectional study. Setting: Mother-and-Child Health Clinics in Israel. Participants: Public health nurses (n = 219) working at these clinics participated in the study. Measurements: Participants answered questionnaires regarding their perceived preparedness, attitudes, perceived knowledge and perceived competence to screen, intervene and refer women with PPD symptoms. Findings: Formal and informal training, attitudes, perceived knowledge and perceived competence were associated with perceived preparedness to screen; attitudes, perceived knowledge and perceived competence were associated with perceived preparedness to intervene; and attitudes and perceived knowledge were associated with perceived preparedness to refer. Differences in these associations were found between nurses based on their age, academic degree and experience. Key conclusions: Findings suggest that training, attitudes, knowledge and perceived competence are important factors leading to perceived preparedness to conduct screening initiatives for postpartum depression. Implications for practice: In order for public health nurses to feel prepared to screen, intervene and refer in cases of postpartum depression, ongoing training, both formal and informal, focusing on enhancing knowledge, positive attitudes and competence should be provided.