Journal of Public Health. 33(2):292–301, JUNE 2011

DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdq075

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PMID: 20884642

Issn Print: 1741-3842

Publication Date: June 2011


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Outcome of a postnatal depression screening programme using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: a randomized controlled trial

Shirley Leung;Cynthia Leung;T.H. Lam;S.F. Hung;Ruth Chan;Timothy Yeung;May Miao;Sammy Cheng;S.H. Leung;Aster Lau;Dominic Lee;

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Abstract

BackgroundThere is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of postnatal depression (PND) screening programmes in reducing morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a PND screening programme using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in improving maternal mental health.MethodsThe randomized controlled trial design was used. Participants were 462 Chinese mothers with 2-month-old babies visiting Maternal and Child Health Centres in Hong Kong. Participants in the intervention group were screened for PND using the EPDS, whereas those in the control group were screened by clinical assessment. In both groups, participants identified with PND were offered follow-up management according to protocol.ResultsParticipants in the intervention group had better maternal mental health outcome as assessed by EPDS at 6 months (risk ratio: 0.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.39–0.89). The number needed to screen was 25.ConclusionsA PND screening programme comprising the use of EPDS as the screening tool and the provision of follow-up care had resulted in an improvement in maternal mental health at 6 months.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (US NIH) (NCT00251342).

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