Is there an optimal screening tool for identifying perinatal depression within clinical settings of sub-Saharan Africa

Bibliographic Data

ID21257134
AuthorsAnna Larsen (0000-0002-0096-9386, University of Washington, corresponding author), Jillian Pintye (0000-0003-1255-7191, University of Washington), A Bhat (0000-0002-9284-0650, University of Washington), Manasi Kumar (0000-0002-9773-8014, University of Nairobi), John Kinuthia (0000-0001-6571-8927, University of Washington), Pamela Y Collins (0000-0003-3956-448X, University of Washington), Grace John-Stewart, Grace John‐Stewart (0000-0002-4301-1573, University of Washington)
Year2021
Volume1
Pages100015
Publication date2021-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSSM - Mental Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2666-5603 • E-ISSN: 2666-5603
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.ssmmh.2021.100015
PMID42344140
OpenAlexW3193662984
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited41

Depression is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide and the most common complication of the perinatal period. Women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are disproportionately impacted by perinatal depression. Maternal and child health (MCH) clinics are widely attended in SSA, offering a potential access point for depression screening. Yet, selection of optimal depression screening instruments for use within MCH clinics in SSA remains unclear. We synthesized evidence depicting relative strength of perinatal depression screening scales for use among African perinatal women within four evaluation domains: 1) diagnostic performance, 2) cultural adaptation, 3) feasibility and ease of implementation, 4) experience using the tool in SSA perinatal populations. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) had the most evidence among peripartum women in SSA, and a balance of feasibility, diagnostic performance metrics, and cultural adaptations. Other depressive screening instruments developed for general populations show strengths for application in African perinatal populations in at least one evaluation domain. Building health services capacity to integrate depression screening within routine MCH visits is an important next step to address perinatal depression in SSA

Antenatal depression · Anxiety · Depressive symptoms · Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale · Psychiatry · Breastfeeding Practices and Influences · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Medicine · Pediatrics