Authors (including presenting author) :
Lam OS (1)(2), Lam FY (1)(2), Chung PY (1)(2), Wong OL (1)(2), Kwan WK(1), Shun KW(1), Yeung WS (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Psychiatry, (2) Comprehensive Child Development Service
Introduction :
Postnatal depression is common worldwide with a prevalence of 10%-20%. Postnatal depression not only affect maternal mental health, but also mother-baby bonding. Antenatal anxiety and depression are strong risk factors for postnatal depression, but pregnant women may be reluctant to use antidepressant, making psychosocial interventions important. A pilot study of nurse-led tele-care program was conducted in HKEC CCDS Psychiatric Service from 2017-2020 as a new psychological intervention to reduce postnatal depression.
Objectives :
1)To facilitate psychological preparation for first time parents. 2)To strengthen clients’ stress coping abilities. 3)To reduce postnatal depressive and anxiety symptoms.
Methodology :
A “pre-test” vs “post-test” design was employed. Inclusion criteria are: (1) Pregnant women with maternity ≤ 14weeks, (2) first time mother, (3) Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≤ 20 and (4) Planned MCHC visit in HKEC. The program was run by perinatal psychiatric nurses to deliver 6 phone care sessions with a booklet providing information on what to expect as first time parents, common perinatal stress; education on coping skills, problem-solving skills, emotional regulation skills, and ways to settle interpersonal disputes and to improve social support. Outcome measures included (1) Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), (2) Parental Stress Scale (PSS) and (3) Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Treatment outcome were examined by paired sample t-test.
Result & Outcome :
From September 2017 to December 2020, 42 clients were recruited to the program and 32 clients (mean age: 31.76, SD: 4.401) completed the program and the evaluation. Data analysis revealed that DASS score (N=32; Pre-mean = 20.63; Post-mean = 13.72; t = 3.052; p = 0.0117) and EPDS score (N=32; Pre-mean = 13.13; Post-mean = 9.94; t = 2.688; p = 0.0287) were significantly reduced. The reduction in PSS score (N=32; Pre-mean = 54.44; Post-mean = 50.78; t = 2.825; p = 0.1022) was not statistically significant.
