Research-EBP

Exploring Screening Opportunities for Postpartum Depression Through Multiple Healthcare Encounters Your Name Subject and Section Professor’s Name October 23, 2024 Search Strategy The literature was identified through electronic databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Keywords used were postpartum depression, screening, maternity health care, ethnic minorities, intimate partner violence, mental health, healthcare meetings, and underserved populations. The search used publications from 2010 to 2023 to increase the chances of capturing the most relevant literature. The literature search was conducted in the Fall of 2024. No hand-searching of specific journals was done; in each of the chosen databases, the strictly defined criteria were searched systematically to identify the articles of interest. Significance of the Issue Post-partum Depression (PDD) is a considerable concern occurring in the postnatal phase; this is a concern in women's and family health. The study associates it with many adverse consequences, such as failed maternal attachment, delayed psychomotor development in the babies, and increased likelihood of chronic persistent depression in women. The looming menace of PDS is precipitated by apparent inequality in screening and treatment of the ailment with particular regard to disadvantaged demography. The PDS risk is relatively high among women from ethnic minorities and those who have been subjected to IPV, and the women face challenges of screening and treatment. The ability to optimize the screening for PDS when the client and infant are attending multiple healthcare appointments such as postpartum visits, well-baby visits, and other health-related visits is crucial in the identification and early initiation of the necessary interventions. This paper aims to review the literature proving the feasibility of the implementation of PDS screening across various health facilities, specifically targeting underserved populations, to close existing gaps in maternal mental health services. Description of Literature Having critically reviewed four critical studies on PDS screening opportunities and related factors, this literature review evaluates the highlights and findings of the studies on ethnic minority women's maternity care experiences, IPV and PDS, mental health status of under-served clients, and views on available PDS screening opportunities across the health encounters. Toh and Shorey (2023) Toh and Shorey (2023) conducted a qualitative systematic review and meta-aggregation, including 22 studies to understand ethnic minority women's portrayals and maternity healthcare. The review revealed factors including cultural diversity and language, which lead to neglect and mistrust of the health workers. As the research followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach indicated in this study to increase credibility, it aimed to primarily describe the role of mindfulness practices without the objective tendency towards measuring health outcomes. A synthesis with prior research on healthcare disparities lends credence to the call for a culturally competent approach to PDS assessment. Still, due to the review's focus o...