BackgroundThe prevalence rate of postpartum depression (PPD) is 9 to 17% among mothers, with higher rates among low income and immigrant populations. Due to the negative effects of PPD symptoms on both the mother and baby, treating mothers with depression symptoms is of great importance. This study examined treatment preferences for PPD among Israeli mothers with and without PPD symptoms, specifically focusing on treatment centers, type of professional and mode of treatment, to help develop relevant policies to promote the health of mothers by reaching a deeper understanding of their preferences.Methods1000 mothers who attended Maternal Child Health Clinics (MCHCs) in Israel for their infant’s first medical exam participated in a cross-sectional survey.ResultsIn this sample, 8.4% of the participants suffered from PPD. Mothers with PPD compared to those without symptoms had lower economic status, were more likely to be single, to be first-time mothers, have an unemployed partner and to have immigrated to Israel. Mothers with PPD preferred private mental health practice and community treatment centers by mental healthcare professionals. They also preferred group interventions and personal psychotherapy rather than technology-based interventions.ConclusionsThe study findings support the formulation of mother-sensitive health policies based on understanding mothers’ preferences, and thus, help prepare treatment alternatives that will suit different groups of mothers with PPD, for the benefit of mothers, newborns, and families. Disseminating the results of this study among professionals as part of professional training, can promote appropriate treatment facilities and modes of care for mothers with PPD.

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Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) may have adverse outcomes for mothers, their infants, and families. Despite the negative consequences of PPD many women hesitate to seek treatment. The theoretical concepts of this study were based on the health belief model, which focuses on the individual’s attitudes, beliefs, and intentions to seek treatment. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine whether health beliefs and social support mediate the links between sociodemographic variables and treatment preferences for PPD. Method: Cross-sectional survey, including 1,000 Jewish mothers attending the maternal and child health clinics in Israel for their infant’s medical exam, 4 weeks to 6 months postpartum. Results: Mother’s age and years of education correlated positively with preferences to receive treatment in the private sector and from professionals working in mental health clinics. The greater the number of children, the less likely new mothers were to favor these preferences. Structural equation modeling showed several mediating pathways: social support mediated the links between sociodemographic variables to health belief model components such as perceived benefits, barriers, and environmental cues. Health belief model components also mediated the links between sociodemographic factors and preferences for place of treatment, professionals, and modes of treatment for PPD. Conclusions: Health belief model components and social support are important mediating components that help explain mothers’ PPD treatment preferences. Health professionals such as psychiatric or public health nurses should increase awareness of women at risk for PPD and elicit their preferred treatment options.

Cognitive–behavioral interventions can effectively treat symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). We assessed the acceptability and effectiveness of a workbook-based intervention (What Am I Worried About? (WAWA)) comprising of cognitive–behavioral and mindfulness techniques and weekly professional guidance to address symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among postpartum mothers. We compared the efficacy of group versus individual telephone consultation using a pre-and post-test single group, open trial, research design in replication pilot study. A convenience sample of community-residing postpartum women (n = 34) chose between group intervention (n = 24) or individual phone consultation with a mental health professional (n = 10). Outcome measures were anxiety (GAD-7), depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS21), and postpartum depression (PPD-EPDS). After four weeks intervention, significant reductions were observed in postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress scales. Cohen’s d statistics showed medium effect sizes (0.35–0.56). A small but significantly larger change in PPD-EPDS and DASS stress scores was reported among participants who opted for the phone intervention compared to those in the group intervention. Most participants felt that the intervention was highly beneficial and would recommend it to other postpartum women. In conclusion, the WAWA intervention showed efficacy for reducing postpartum anxiety, distress, and depressive symptoms among postpartum women, with a slightly greater reduction in PPD-EPDS and stress symptoms found among those who opted for individual phone consultation. Definitive evaluation of the intervention requires a larger sample and a RCT research design with two treatment arms: telephone and group intervention.

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