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01-06-2018 | Original Article

Efficacy of an Internet-based depression intervention to improve rates of treatment in adolescent mothers

Authors: M. Cynthia Logsdon, John Myers, Jeff Rushton, Jennifer L. Gregg, Allan M. Josephson, Deborah Winders Davis, Kyle Brothers, Kristin Baisch, Anissa Carabello, Krista Vogt, Kayla Jones, Jennifer Angermeier

Published in: Archives of Women's Mental Health | Issue 3/2018

Abstract

Approximately 400,000 adolescents give birth in the USA annually. Although one-half experience depressive symptoms, less than 25% comply with referrals for depression evaluation and treatment. The current study tested the effectiveness of an Internet-based depression intervention on seeking depression treatment. Based upon the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the intervention included vignettes, questions and answers, and resources. Before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 2 weeks later the adolescent mothers (n = 151) answered questions related to TPB variables and depression treatment. Data were compared to adolescent mothers (n = 138) in the control group. Data were collected in community organizations or home visits for the control group. Adolescent mothers in the intervention group answered questions and completed the intervention from a computer of their choice. The adolescents were primarily African American (89.2%), less than high school educated (51.7%), had given birth in last year (97.1%), with a mean age 18.2 years. The intervention led to significant changes in attitude, perceived control, intention to seek mental health treatment, and actually seeking depression treatment. Untreated postpartum depression dramatically impacts a mother’s relationship with her child, her functioning at work and school, health care-seeking behaviors, mothering skills, and her development as well as the development of her child. An Internet-based depression intervention is an inexpensive method to increase rates of depression treatment.

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Title: Efficacy of an Internet-based depression intervention to improve rates of treatment in adolescent mothers
Authors: M. Cynthia Logsdon
John Myers
Jeff Rushton
Jennifer L. Gregg
Allan M. Josephson
Deborah Winders Davis
Kyle Brothers
Kristin Baisch
Anissa Carabello
Krista Vogt
Kayla Jones
Jennifer Angermeier
Publication date: 01-06-2018
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: Archives of Women's Mental Health / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 1434-1816
Electronic ISSN: 1435-1102
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-017-0804-z

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Efficacy of an Internet-based depression intervention to improve rates of treatment in adolescent mothers

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