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Perinatal Depression in Low-Income Women: A Literature Review and Innovative Screening Approach

  • Sex and Gender Issues in Behavioral Health (CN Epperson and L Hantsoo, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Psychiatry Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This paper reviews literature on perinatal depression prevalence, consequences, and screening among low-income women and women of color. We introduce the Warm Connections program’s innovative perinatal depression screening protocol and explore perinatal depression patterns among WIC participants.

Recent Findings

Perinatal depression negatively impacts maternal and child outcomes. Research shows mixed findings of perinatal depression prevalence rates among low-income women and women of color. The Warm Connections program supports the ability of WIC staff to administer the EPDS to WIC participants. Perinatal depression rates appeared lower in the Warm Connections program than in studies using less specific perinatal depression screening instruments with similar samples.

Summary

Future research should continue to explore perinatal depression patterns among low-income women and women of color. Partnering with community-based settings such as WIC provides innovative opportunities to provide screening, referral, and treatment for low income women and women of color.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express our gratitude to the WIC and Infant Mental Health Task Force, as well as Colorado WIC families, staff, and administrators.

Funding

This project was supported by Caring for Colorado, the Buell Foundation, the Piton Foundation, and the Colorado Health Foundation. This project was also supported by grant number K12HS026370 from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Portland State University, School of Social Work, PO Box 751-SSW, Portland, OR, 97207, USA

    Susanne Klawetter & Jill A. Hoffman

  2. Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    Cassidy McNitt, Kelly Glaze & Ashley Sward

  3. Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    Karen Frankel

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  1. Susanne Klawetter
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Correspondence to Susanne Klawetter.

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Klawetter, S., McNitt, C., Hoffman, J.A. et al. Perinatal Depression in Low-Income Women: A Literature Review and Innovative Screening Approach. Curr Psychiatry Rep 22, 1 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1126-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1126-9

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