Research reportRandomized controlled trial to prevent postpartum depression in mothers on public assistance

•Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health problem for women.•An interpersonally-based intervention (ROSE) may reduce the risk of PPD.•Results replicate and extend our prior studies on the efficacy of the ROSE Program.

IntroductionPostpartum depression (PPD) is a significant and common public health problem for women. Aims: To examine the efficacy of an intervention based on the principles of interpersonal therapy (IPT) in reducing the risk of PPD in pregnant women. Methods: Randomized controlled trial of 205 pregnant women who were 18 years old or older, on public assistance, and at risk for PPD. Participants (mean age=23; 38% Hispanic and 23% Black) were randomized to either the IPT group intervention (n=104) or the treatment as usual control (TAU) program (n=101). Results: At 6 months, the overall depression rate in the intervention group (16%) was lower than the control group (31%) and the effect of the intervention was statistically significant at p<0.05. Limitations: It is unknown if findings will generalize to a more heterogeneous sample of women than the current study, such as women from a range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, or marital status. There was a differential amount of contact between TAU and intervention conditions. Conclusions: An IPT based intervention during the prenatal period has the potential to reduce cases of PPD within 6 months postpartum in at risk mothers on public assistance.