The effect of a childbirth psychoeducation program on postnatal depression

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: 1. To evaluate the effect of a childbirth psychoeducation program (CPP) on learned resourcefulness and postnatal depression in Chinese mothers; 2. To examine the strengths and weaknesses of the CPP from participants’ perspectives. METHODS: This study used a mixed method design. A pretestposttest, control group quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of CPP in reducing postnatal depression at 6 weeks postpartum. The intervention was based on the concept of learned resourcefulness which focused on cognitive restructuring, problem-solving and efficacy enhancement. The experimental group (n = 92) received the CPP which was incorporated into the routine childbirth education in the experimental hospital. The comparison group (n = 92) received the routine childbirth education alone in the comparison hospital. Outcomes were measured by the Self-Control Schedule and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. A purposive sample of 16 mothers who had participated in the CPP was interviewed at 6 weeks postpartum to identify the strengths and limitations of the program. RESULTS: Women receiving the CPP had significant improvement in learned resourcefulness (p < 0.001) and depressive symptoms from baseline to 6 weeks postpartum (p < 0.05) compared to the comparison group. Participants perceived the CPP to be helpful in enhancing their emotional control, fostering the development of learned resourcefulness skills, and increasing their confidence in taking up the maternal role. CONCLUSIONS: The CPP appears to be a very promising intervention for promoting learned resourcefulness and minimizing the risk of postnatal depression in the Chinese society.