Whanau Awhina Plunket nurses' views on the use of the PHQ-3 postnatal depression screening tool: A survey

Abstract

Introduction: In New Zealand, nurses visiting families postnatally use the Patient Health Questionnaire-3 (PHQ-3) to screen and detect postnatal depression. Exploring nurses' perception of the tool when using it with women across cultures is central to ensuring the PHQ-3 tool supports equitable screening and detection of postnatal depression, yet little is known about nurses' confidence with, and use of, the tool with people of differing cultures. Aim: The aim of this study was to understand nurses' confidence in using the PHQ-3 to screen for postnatal depression, particularly its use cross-culturally. Methods: Quantitative online survey research was carried out in 2019. Fifty-Two percent of eligible registered nurses participated (n = 187), completing Likert scale responses and open questions about the use of the screening tool with specific groups, and barriers and facilitators to screening. Results: Ninety-five percent of participants were confident in their use of the PQH-3, 70% of nurses agreed the PHQ-3 supports the identification of postnatal depression, and most respondents (54.5%) disagreed that the PHQ-3 was a good screening tool cross-culturally. Discussion: Nurses were confident in their use of the PHQ-3, and it was relatively highly regarded in its ability to detect postnatal depression. However, less confidence in its use across cultures implies the PHQ-3 does not translate to evidence-based, cross-cultural care. To serve culturally diverse populations, consultation is needed on both languages used and cultural practices so that tools are appropriate, otherwise they cannot be validated for use cross-culturally.