Date Presented 03/22/24
The study explored the gaps in postpartum depression care through an occupational therapy lens. This poster highlights the research and the evolving role of occupational therapy in the field of maternal mental health.
Primary Author and Speaker: Elizabeth Britton
Additional Authors and Speakers: Patricia A. Henton
PURPOSE: Maintaining occupational roles and routines during the postpartum period is challenged by many factors (Barba-Muller et al., 2019; Barbic et al., 2021; Pawluski et al., 2017). The study investigated current services provided in postpartum depression (PPD) care and explored potential gaps through an occupational therapy (OT) lens.
DESIGN: Two quantitative surveys collected data on PPD preventive and treatment interventions and delivery modes. Convenience samples of women who had given birth in the last 12 months, and multidisciplinary healthcare and mental health professionals completed the surveys. Six questions within the two surveys identified the timing and methods of PPD care. Both surveys were expert reviewed and field tested for face validity and user ability.
METHOD: Following university IRB approval, snowball sampling methods gained voluntary participants from a mid-sized city within the Midwestern United States. Anonymous online surveys collected data over a 22-week period in 2020 and 2021. Data were analyzed via descriptive statistics, graphical representation, and content analysis.
RESULTS: The sample consisted of 96 mothers and 84 professionals (N= 180). Although 62 mothers (64.58%) reported symptoms of PPD, 53.22% (n=33) did not reach out to a professional. Only two mothers (2.08%) reported interacting with an occupational therapy practitioner (OTP) throughout the postpartum period. More than half of the professionals (66.67%; n=56) agreed that OTPs would be beneficial for providing interventions specific to PPD, and nearly 16% (n=14) were unsure of the role of OT in PPD. Limitations included small samples and fewer professionals providing in-person treatment due to COVID-19.
CONCLUSION: The study suggested gaps in PPD screening and a need for addressing occupational needs, role transitions, supports, and resources, which are within the OT scope of practice. Further research, education, and advocacy is needed on the evolving role of OT in PPD.
References
Barbic, S. P., MacKirdy, K., Weiss, R., Barrie, A., Kitchin, V., & Lepin, S. (2021). Scoping review of the role of occupational therapy in the treatment of women with postpartum depression. Annals of International Occupational Therapy, 4(4), e249–e259. https://doi.org/10.3928/24761222-20210921-02
Barba-Muller, E., Craddock, S., Carmona, S., & Hoekzema, E. (2019). Brain plasticity in pregnancy and the postpartum period: Links to maternal caregiving and mental health. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 22, 289–299. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-018-0889-z
Pawluski, J. L., Lonstein, J. S., & Fleming, A. S. (2017). The neurobiology of postpartum anxiety and depression. Trends in Neurosciences, 40(2), 106–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2016.11.009
