| Learning Objective #1: Identify the prevalence of depression in women across the lifespan | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Describe depression screening practice among CNMs/CMs |
Objectives: To describe the depression screening practice of CNMs/CMs and to examine the relationships between depression screening, attitude, perceived ability, knowledge, and demographics using the Theory of Planned Behavior.
Method: Self-report survey of CNMs/CMs (n=387) attending the 2004 ACNM annual meeting.
Findings: Only 25% of respondents (n=95) reported that they always screened women for depression and only 12.4 % of respondents (n=47) reported knowledge of the ACNM depression position statement. A relationship was found between depression screening and attitude (pr =.27, p = .000), perceived ability (pr =.25, p = .000), knowledge ( pr =.16, p = .004), education level (pr =.12, p = .036).
Conclusion: Attitude, perceived ability, knowledge, and education account for 20% of the variance of depression screening among CNMs/CMs. Study findings suggest that depression screening is not fully integrated into the practice of many CNMs/CMs. Theoretically, an educational intervention may positively influence attitude, ability, and knowledge, which in turn, may increase integration of depression care into midwifery practice. The provision of universal depression screening may improve health outcomes to women and their families. Further research is needed to assess screening methods, interventions for the treatment of depression, and evaluation of institutional barriers to depression screening of women.