Attitudes, Perceived Ability, and Knowledge About Depression Screening: A Survey of Certified Nurse-Midwives/Certified Midwives

A survey of certified nurse-midwives/certified midwives (CNMs/CMs) attending the 2004 American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) annual meeting was undertaken to describe the depression screening practices of CNMs/CMs and to examine factors associated with depression screening. A relationship was found between attitude, perceived ability, knowledge, education level, and depression screening, with attitude and perceived ability having the strongest positive relationship to screening. Attitude, perceived ability, knowledge, and education accounted for 20% of the variance in depression screening conducted by CNMs/CMs. These findings suggest that the management of depression is not fully integrated into the practice of many CNMs/CMs. Further research is needed to assess screening methods, interventions for the treatment of depression, and evaluation of institutional barriers to depression screening.