Postpartum Depression Screening Among Hispanic Women: Insights from EPDS Literature

Authors

• Gabriella A. Irizarry Negron, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
• Sara Moyer, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow

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Abstract

Postpartum depression screening among Hispanic women remains an important but complicated issue, as differences in how the EPDS is used and current barriers to care may affect early identification and treatment. This poster, Postpartum Depression Screening Among Hispanic Women: Insights from EPDS Literature, explores how the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) has been evaluated across studies involving Hispanic populations. Using a literature review approach, eight peer-reviewed articles were organized into an annotated bibliography and matrix to identify key trends in screening practices and outcomes.

Findings revealed three major themes: (1) EPDS cut-off scores for postpartum depression vary widely across studies (ranging from 7/8 to ≥13), with differences influenced by postpartum stage and variation across populations, highlighting the need to validate the EPDS within specific Hispanic groups; (2) EPDS screening alone does not ensure access to care, as Hispanic women often face structural and cultural barriers, including limited mental health resources, language differences, and immigration-related stressors; and (3) cultural and linguistic factors influence how EPDS questions are interpreted, suggesting possible differences in how symptoms are reported across Spanish-speaking communities.

These findings highlight the need for more culturally and linguistically appropriate screening approaches, better validation of EPDS cut-off scores within specific populations, and greater attention to healthcare barriers that impact access to care. Future research should include more qualitative approaches to better understand patient perspectives and how Hispanic mothers experience and engage with postpartum depression screening tools.

Publication Date

2026

Keywords

postpartum depression, EPDS, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Hispanic women, maternal mental health, postpartum depression screening, health disparities, cultural competence, barriers to care, perinatal mental health

Disciplines

Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing | Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing | Public Health and Community Nursing

Current Academic Year

Junior

Faculty Advisor/Mentor

Sara Moyer

Rights

© The Author(s)