Extrait

Background and study aims. Research has identified that significant numbers of women in South Asia can experience postnatal (postpartum) depression. Various effective interventions have been described for women with postnatal depression in high income countries, but at the time of starting this study, no effective intervention had been described for postnatal depression in South Asian women. We aimed to develop a low-cost intervention, based on the evidence-based treatment of 'listening visits' offered by Health Visitors in the UK. We adapted the listening visit intervention to allow it to be provided by experienced mothers who did not have any clinical qualification. We aimed to test the effectiveness of lay psychological intervention. We recruited pregnant women at high risk for postnatal depression, and our hypothesis was that women receiving the intervention would be less likely to develop postnatal depression than women receiving usual care. Who can participate? The study was based in Goa, India. We identified a community sample of women in the final months of pregnancy, and we used known risk factors for postnatal depression in Goa to identify women at high risk of developing postnatal depression. Only high-risk women were recruited into the study. What does the study involve? The active intervention was a package of 5-6 listening visits, delivered by a lay health worker. Participants in the control group received usual care from local health services. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? All participants in the study were screened for symptoms of depression. Any women with worrying levels of depression during the study were referred to an independent local psychiatrist for a free consultation to discuss treatment options. The same applied to women who were identified as having suicidal thoughts. There are no known side effects of the psychological intervention. Where is the study run from? The study was based in a community district of Goa, India. The local research base was the Sangath Centre, a non-governmental organisation providing clinical services to the local population, as well as being the centre for several community health and mental health research projects. The associated UK academic base of the researchers is the Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London. When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? The study ran from 2002 to 2003. We ran a pilot study from 2001 to 2002. Who is funding the study? The Wellcome Trust (UK). Who is the main contact? Dr Marcus Hughes, research fellow (2001-2004) [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Postnatal depression; child development

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn