Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)
Date of Award
Spring 5-6-2022
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
Advisor(s)
Cathy L. Rozmus, PhD
Second Advisor
Meagan Whisenant, PhD
Third Advisor
Eric C. Jones, PhD
Abstract
Objective: Although mothers of preterm infants are at increased risk for postpartum depression (PPD), PPD screening conducted by neonatal providers in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is currently not a standard of care. The purpose of this study was to explore maternal and provider perceptions of neonatal providers conducting PPD screening in the NICU.
Design: This study was conducted with a qualitative approach.
Setting: A 24-bed Level III NICU in Houston, TX acted as the study site.
Participants: Participants were purposively sampled (N=31) and included mothers of NICU infants (n=15) and NICU providers (n=16).
Methods: Semi-structured individual and paired interviews were conducted with mothers of NICU infants and NICU providers to determine appropriateness of PPD screening in the NICU, screening preferences, facilitators and barriers. Content analysis was used to analyze verbatim transcripts of interviews. Transcripts were coded for content and subsequently organized into emergent themes.
Results: Analysis of maternal and provider interviews revealed qualitative evidence supporting Health Belief Model constructs to include perceived susceptibility and severity of PPD in the NICU; as well as perceived benefits, barriers and cues to action for PPD screening in this setting.
Conclusion: NICU providers and mothers support maternal PPD screening in the NICU as a standard of care led by nurses at the bedside. Special attention to stigma-related barriers and structural barriers should be considered with program development.
Keywords: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, NICU, postpartum depression, postpartum depression screening, providers, maternal
Recommended Citation
Triulzi, Candice, "Postpartum Depression Screening In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Maternal And Provider Perspectives" (2022). Dissertations & Theses (Open Access). 57.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthson_etd/57
Keywords
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, NICU, postpartum depression, postpartum depression screening, providers, maternal