Screening in parents for postpartum depression during routine pediatric visits [Screening per la depressione post-partum nei genitori durante le visite pediatriche di routine]

Screening in parents for postpartum depression during routine pediatric visits This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of the family pediatrician’s (FP) role in recognizing postpartum depression symptoms in parents to ensure children’s well-being. Data for this observational prospective study were collected within the NASCITA cohort. Pediatricians collected sociodemographic data on the parents during the first appointment (scheduled 0-45 days after childbirth), and details about their health, pregnancy, and delivery. Whooley questions were administered to parents during the first and second visits (scheduled 60-90 days after childbirth). Additionally, depending on his knowledge and newly learned information, the FP was asked to respond “yes” or “no” to a question regarding parental postpartum depression at the third visit (5 to 7 months after childbirth). 2203 couples completed the assessment, of whom 529 mothers (19.9%), 141 fathers (6.3%), and 110 (5%) couples reported any depressive symptomatology. Of these, 141 mothers (5.3% of the total sample) and 18 fathers (0.8% of the total sample) were categorized as “likely depressed”. Several risk factors for maternal postnatal depressive symptoms were found, such as having a diagnosed psychiatric disorder during pregnancy (OR 9.49, 95% CI 3.20-28.17), not exclusively breastfeeding at hospital discharge (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.19-2.61) and the presence of child sleeping disorders at three (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.41-4.28) and six months (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.37-3.47). Another significant predictor of postpartum depression was being primiparous (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.31-3.02). A significant association was reported only between likely depressed fathers and child sleeping disorders at three months (OR 7.64, 95% CI 2.92-19.97). Additionally, fathers’ depressive symptoms were significantly correlated with having a likely depressed partner (OR 85.53, 95% CI 26.83-272.69). The study’s findings demonstrate the feasibility of the FP’s role in the early identification of potential depressive symptoms in new parents. As an essential component of postpartum care, it should be considered to implement an active screening program for parental postnatal depression during well-child visits.