Publication Date
5-2025
Document Type
Poster
Primary Faculty (Chairperson)
Dr. Brenda Senger
Secondary Faculty
Dr. Jeff Ramirez
Abstract
Perinatal Mood Disorders (PMD) constitute a significant public health concern, impacting the perinatal patient and the family.
Purpose
This project describes the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Perinatal Mood Disorders including depression and anxiety.
Goals
The goals of this study were to define the perinatal population in a rural Montana clinic and describe the relationship between ACEs and PMDs to identify early intervention opportunities.
Methods
A ten-year retrospective IRB approved study described the relationship between ACE, PHQ9 and OASIS scores to determine the prevalence of PMD and connection to ACE’s in perinatal patients in rural northwest Montana. Calculations were performed on 1,043 charts to include logistic regression, Chi-square and OR/RR.
Findings
Among the participants, 195 reported an ACE score of zero, 640 had ACE scores between 1-3, and 208 had ACE scores greater than or equal to 4. Utilizing validated measures for ACE, PHQ9 and OASIS, there was a statistically significant association between ACE scores >/=4 and PMD. The results of the Chi-square test were significant based on an alpha value of .05, χ2(1) = 508.65, p < .001. Logistic regression analyses revealed that ACE >4 independently predicts an increased risk of PMD (B = 3.43, OR = 31.00, p < .001) and influences PMD in a dose response fashion. Every one-unit increase in ACE score increases the odds of PMD by approximately 146%.
Implications
Early identification of adverse childhood experiences can alert the provider to closely monitor for anxiety and depression in the postnatal period. The need for targeted interventions and preventive measures for individuals with past childhood trauma can be implemented earlier in care.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Newton, Honey, "Predicting Perinatal Mood Disorders" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice. 3.
https://repository.gonzaga.edu/nursing_dnp/3
Research Paper
Comments
See Additional Files (below) for research paper.