Obstetric and Neonatology Nurses' Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices Related to the Management of Symptoms of Maternal Depression

Although maternal depression is a common emotional disorder, assessment and intervention rates are low. Using a cross-sectional survey design, we examined attitudes, beliefs, and practices of obstetrical and neonatology nurses toward the management of symptoms of maternal depression (SMD). Nurses be...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Issues in mental health nursing 2011-11, Vol.32 (12), p.735-744
Main Authors: Sofronas, Marianne, Feeley, Nancy, Zelkowitz, Phyllis, Sabbagh, Melanie
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitudes
Birthing Centers
Canada
Cross-Sectional Studies
Depression, Postpartum - nursing
Depression, Postpartum - prevention & control
Depressive Disorder - nursing
Depressive Disorder - prevention & control
Female
Health Care Surveys
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
Maternal depression
Neonatal Nursing
Neonatology
Nurses
Nursing
Nursing Assessment
Obstetric Nursing
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications - nursing
Pregnancy Complications - prevention & control
Pregnancy Complications - psychology
Symptoms
Women
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Summary:Although maternal depression is a common emotional disorder, assessment and intervention rates are low. Using a cross-sectional survey design, we examined attitudes, beliefs, and practices of obstetrical and neonatology nurses toward the management of symptoms of maternal depression (SMD). Nurses believed they were responsible to assess for SMD and intervene with women showing SMD. However, only 50% assessed for SMD at least once monthly. Identified barriers to care were: lack of time, training, language, and patient and family beliefs. NICU nurses reported lower confidence, knowledge, and skills, than other nurses who participated in this study. This study shows there is a need to enhance nurses' confidence in assessing and intervening with SMD, and to clarify the referral process.
ISSN:0161-2840
1096-4673
DOI:10.3109/01612840.2011.609635