A randomized clinical trial was carried out at primary care level in Santiago, Chile to investigate a combined treatment for women suffering post-natal depression and preventing the adverse consequences of this illness on infant's growth and development.
Background: We compared the effectiveness of a multi-component intervention with usual care to treat postnatal depression among low-income mothers in primary care clinics in Santiago, Chile. Methods: Randomised controlled trial. Two hundred and thirty mothers with major depression attending postnatal clinics were randomly allocated to either a multi-component intervention or usual care. The multi-component intervention involved a psychoeducational group, treatment adherence support, and pharmacotherapy if needed. Data were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. The main outcome measure was the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 3 and 6 months after randomisation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
230
The PND-MCI included psycho-educational groups, structured pharmacotherapy if needed, and systematic monitoring of clinical progress and treatment compliance
included all services normally available in the clinics, including antidepressant medication, brief psychotherapeutic interventions or referral for specialty treatment
EPDS
Time frame: 3 and 6 months
four dimensions of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Questionnaire: mental health; emotional role; social functioning; and vitality(34) and significant clinical improvement.
Time frame: 3 and 6 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.