Home Visits for Postpartum Depression Intervention among Low-Income Latinas: Results from the PST4PPD Project.

Abstract

Research shows that U.S. Latinas are at risk for high rates of postpartum depression (PPD) but have low rates of treatment compared to non-Hispanic White mothers. This study examined the feasibility of a multi-site home-visiting intervention (PST4PPD) conducted by bilingual community health workers (CHW) among low-income Latina mothers. A one-group, pre/posttest design and paired sample's t-test were used to measure changes in depressive symptoms and self-efficacy for participants (n = 76) across five sites. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to assess depression; the New General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Maternal Efficacy Questionnaire measured general self-efficacy and parenting self-efficacy. Depression scores decreased significantly from pretest to posttest. Participants' general self-efficacy, maternal self-efficacy, and PPD knowledge increased. With a 76% completion rate, demonstrable improvements were seen in participants' depression and self-efficacy. Implications for addressing modifiable factors such as self-efficacy and stress management are discussed.