Graduation Year
2024
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Primary Major
Nursing
Thesis Advisor
Lynn Noyce, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC
Abstract
Previous research studies have demonstrated the positive impact education and social support has on reducing the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) when used separately. However, there exists a clear gap in understanding the combined effects of integrating both education and social support during the prenatal period on PPD. This longitudinal quasi-experimental study aims to evaluate the impact of an in-person prenatal PPD prevention program for the birthing person, requiring the presence of a support person on the reduction of PPD. Participants and their chosen support persons will receive information on PPD, including risk factors, signs and symptoms, preventative measures, and coping strategies. The study will involve 128 participants from a local obstetrics community clinic selected through convenience sampling, with 64 participants in the experimental group and 64 in the control group. Basic demographic data, as well as information on the relationship with the support person, will be collected prior to intervention. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale will be administered as a pre-test during the third trimester and as a post-test at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum. The experimental group will attend the in-person prenatal PPD program while the control group will instead receive the usual prenatal care. Two-tailed t-tests will be used to assess statistical significance in comparing PPD incidents between experimental and control groups at various postpartum time points. Pearson Correlation coefficient (Pearson r) will measure the linear association between pairs of continuous variables. If successful, the study could provide nurses with an evidence-based approach to PPD education and prevention. Importantly, it has the potential to enhance the well-being of the mother and baby. The more nurses can expose birthing persons and their support persons to patient and partner-centered PPD education, the lower the risk of PPD.