A hospital survey of postpartum depression education at the time of delivery

OBJECTIVE: To assess and characterize health education regarding postpartum depression (PPD) received by recently delivered women during their postpartum hospital stay. DESIGN: Mailed, self-administered survey. SETTING: All 121 hospitals in Ohio that provide obstetric and postpartum care. PARTICIPANTS: Nurse managers for obstetric services, 90 (74%) of whom returned surveys. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Types of postpartum education provided, format of postpartum depression education delivery, attitudes regarding postpartum depression education. RESULTS: Most hospitals (89.7%) educate newly delivered women about PPD, most often by passive methods. Specific educational programs were offered by only 14% of hospitals. Most PPD education was provided during hospitalization after delivery; however, 50% of respondents felt that it should be provided at every possible opportunity. CONCLUSION: PPD education is one of several topics covered during hospitalization for newly delivered mothers. Health providers of all disciplines should be involved in educating a new mother about PPD.