Telehealth: A Rising Intervention for Latina Mothers Experiencing Prenatal and Postpartum Depression

Authors

Britney Gutierrez, Dominican University of CaliforniaFollow

Files

Description

Abstract: Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is high among Latina women but often goes unrecognized and untreated. Recognition and management of PPD in this population is crucial as PPD contributes to negative health effects on the mother and infant. Purpose: This research aims to look into telehealth to improve screening methods and treatment for Latina mothers through a Spanish mobile health application that will provide screening and education on PPD. Method: This mixed-method quality improvement study will include 300 participants from an OB-GYN and Pediatrics community clinic, > 18 years old, of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, Spanish speaking, currently pregnant, or had a child within the last year, with a score >12 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), have no current treatment for PPD and have access to a mobile application. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups receiving the standard protocol for PPD but one group will receive the mobile app. Pre and post-tests will be used to measure scores of PPD using the EPDS in which independent t-test analyses will be conducted to reveal significant differences between the groups. Descriptive statistics will be used to measure the rates of screening between the groups and a coding scheme will be completed for the qualitative research obtained on mother’s experiences. Results: It is hypothesized that Latina mothers who participate in the mobile application intervention will have higher percentages of screening and lower scores on the EPDS post-test. A p-value less than 0.05 will reveal significant differences between the intervention and control groups. Conclusion: This research will show the significant impact of using telehealth, a mobile health application in Spanish, for screening and treating Latina mothers with PPD.

Department

Nursing

Publication Date

Spring 4-29-2024

Sponsorship/Conference/Institution

Scholar & Creative Works Conference, Dominican University of California

City

San Rafael, CA

Keywords

postpartum depression, Latina, telehealth, interventions, screening, prevention, treatment

Disciplines

Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education | Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing | Nursing | Nursing Midwifery | Other Psychiatry and Psychology | Pediatric Nursing | Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing | Public Health and Community Nursing | Social and Behavioral Sciences