Reducing Risk for Postpartum Depression Using a Video Education Format

Postpartum depression is a very common pregnancy-related complication, especially within the United States. Research has revealed that knowledge and implementation of preventative lifestyle modifications may decrease the risk of developing postpartum depression. Online video platforms have been shown to be an effective way of helping patients implement lifestyle changes, as they are free, durable, and widely accessible for dissemination of educational content. Local Problem: Within the University of Utah healthcare system, obstetric patients are regularly screened for risk factors associated with postpartum depression during prenatal care visits. However, education on preventative lifestyle modifications to reduce this risk is not routinely presented during the antenatal period. A video education tool was developed as an accessible way to disseminate this information to patients. Methods: A video presenting self-help lifestyle recommendations summarized by the SUNSHINE tool was created to reduce the risk for postpartum depression. This video was uploaded to two online platforms: YoMingo app and YouTube. An immediate post-viewing survey was created for patients and obstetric healthcare providers. Data was collected voluntarily from participants who watched the video. Interventions: A free, durable, and accessible video was developed to provide access to self- help lifestyle recommendations to prevent postpartum depression through use of the SUNSHINE tool. Results: A total of 15 obstetric healthcare providers participated in this project. All (n=15) participants found the video format to be helpful in understanding the SUNSHINE tool and its practical use during the antepartum period. A majority of participants (93.3%, n=14) felt that the video format was easy to navigate. All (n=15) participants believe that incorporating this video into antenatal care would be beneficial and they would recommend this video to other healthcare providers for use in antenatal education. Conclusion: Use of an online video platform is an effective and accessible way to disseminate education on strategies to prevent postpartum depression during the antenatal period. Incorporating education on known approaches for reducing the risk for postpartum depression during the antepartum period is beneficial to expectant mothers.