Citation

Wiley CC, Burke GS, Gill PA, Law NE. Arch. Women Ment. Health 2004; 7(4): 231-236.

Affiliation

Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT 06106, USA. cwiley@ccmckids.org

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00737-004-0058-4

PMID

15480860

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess pediatricians' knowledge and views about postpartum depression (PPD). METHOD: Self-administered survey of a nationwide random sample of general pediatricians. RESULTS: Of 1200 eligible pediatricians sampled, 389 responded (32%). Half of pediatricians (49%) reported little or no education about PPD. Many respondents (51%) underestimated the overall incidence of PPD. Most pediatricians (80%) estimated the incidence in their practice as less than the published incidence. Few pediatricians felt confident they would recognize PPD (31%). Pediatricians were rarely familiar with available screening tools (7%). Many pediatricians (51%) felt screening was feasible in their practices. In logistic regression analysis, intent to begin screening was independently associated with <6 years in practice, positive view of feasibility and greater awareness of PPD. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatricians sampled have limited awareness of PPD and are unfamiliar with screening tools. Efforts to involve pediatricians in screening should address these knowledge barriers.

Language: en