Prevalence of Postpartum Depression Among Patients of the CHUM GARE Clinic

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexFemale
Age18+
SponsorCentre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM)

About this trial

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a frequent complication of the postnatal period but remains underdetected in routine clinical practice. This prospective clinical study, conducted at the high-risk pregnancy clinic of the CHUM, aims to estimate the prevalence of PPD among patients seen in postpartum follow-up. It also assesses the feasibility of implementing a standardized screening protocol that combines the administration of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) with a clinical decision-support algorithm to guide appropriate medical follow-up. The study also seeks to explore clinical characteristics associated with higher EPDS scores.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Patients aged 18 years or more

Patient who gave birth within the last 4 weeks to 6 months

Ability to understand French or English and complete the EPDS questionnaire

Physically present at their post-partum visit at the clinic

Disqualifiers

Inability to comprehend and/or complete the EPDS

Declines participation or does not provide informed consent

Trial population

Patients of the high-risk pregnancy clinic (GARE - Grossesse à risque élevé) of the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) coming in for their post-partum visit with obstetrician

Trial design

Design model

Other

Time perspective

Prospective

Treatments tested in this trial

Not listed

Trial groups

No trial groups listed

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Prevalence of postpartum depression in the study population

Proportion of patients with an EPDS score ≥13 at the 4 to 8-week postpartum visit. The Edimburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a validated 10-item questionnaire designed to identify symptoms of depression in postnatal mothers. Each question asks about feelings and experiences over the past seven days, covering various emotional and psychological aspects related to perinatal mood. For each question, there are four possible responses, scored from 0 to 3, with higher numbers indicating more severe symptoms. The total EPDS score indicates the severity of potential depressive symptoms: a score of 13 or above often suggests a high risk of developing a depressive disorder.

Time frame
Baseline EPDS score (Day 0)

Secondary outcomes

1

Orientation to a medical or psychosocial resource based on EPDS score and decision algorithm

Categorical outcome measuring the type of referral initiated following EPDS screening (e.g., pamphlet of information, primary care health services, psychiatrist, primary care physician, emergency department).

Time frame
Immediately after EPDS completion
2

Repeat EPDS score at 2-week follow-up (for scores between 13 and 16 only)

EPDS score collected by telephone at 2 weeks for patients with a Day 0 score between 13 and 16. Outcome measured as the proportion of patients whose score remains ≥13. The Edimburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a validated 10-item questionnaire designed to identify symptoms of depression in postnatal mothers.

Time frame
2 weeks after initial EPDS score
3

Number of days before the first contact with referred service

Number of days between the initial referral (Day 0) and confirmed access to the referred service (by patient report).

Time frame
Assessed at two-week and, if needed, six-week follow-up calls
4

Clinical and obstetrical factors associated with EPDS ≥13

Exploratory analysis to evaluate associations between an elevated EPDS score (≥13) and selected clinical variables, including age, level of education, lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol or drug consumption), psychiatric, medical and obstetric history (including history of miscarriage), mode of delivery and method of perinatal analgesia, breastfeeding, iron-deficiency anemia or iron deficiency, obstetric, anesthetic, or neonatal complications, and skin-to-skin contact in the delivery room within the first 24 hours after birth.

Time frame
Chart review conducted following Day 0 visit and consent

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

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