Australian midwives' knowledge of antenatal and postpartum depression: A national survey

Cindy J. Jones, Debra K. Creedy, Jenny A. Gamble

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: Emotional care provided by midwives may improve health and well-being; reduce stress, trauma, and depressive symptoms; and enhance maternal outcomes in childbearing women. The provision of intrapartum and postpartum emotional care can be challenging and requires a good knowledge base for the provider to screen and assist distressed women. This study assessed Australian midwives' levels of knowledge and learning needs regarding antenatal depression and postpartum depression. Methods: Eight hundred and fifteen members of the Australian College of Midwives completed a postal survey, which consisted of 20 items drawn from the literature and the National Baseline Survey-Health Professional Knowledge Questionnaire. Results: On average, respondents correctly answered 62.9% of items related to antenatal depression and 70.7% of questions about postpartum depression. Many midwives were unable to identify the risk factors (70.6%) or prevalence of antenatal depression (49.6%). Nearly all (98.3%) respondents underestimated the percentage of antenatally depressed women that attempts suicide. Significant percentages of midwives did not correctly identify the incidence (44.4%), onset period (71%), and treatment options (32%) associated with postpartum depression. About half did not understand the use of antidepressant medications (48.6%) and incorrectly reported that the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was a suitable instrument to assess symptoms of psychotic depression (43.8%). Discussion: There are key knowledge deficits relating to onset of, assessment of, and treatment for depressive symptoms during the antenatal and postpartum periods. There is a need for continuing professional education to improve midwives' knowledge and competency in the assessment and care of women suffering depression.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)353-361
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Midwifery and Women's Health
Volume56
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Antenatal depression
  • Depression
  • Emotional care
  • Health knowledge
  • Midwives
  • Postpartum depression

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Maternity and Midwifery

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