Methods: This Poster Presentation presents findings from implementation of routine screening for PPD in a Native American population in rural North Carolina. 150 women completed the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS) (Beck & Gable, 2001), a 35-item scale, with a 7-point pre-screen, at 6 weeks postpartum.

Results:  Preliminary analysis reveals that population characteristics are different than previous populations utilizing this scale.  The present sample consists of a predominately minority population (86.4% Native or African American) of lower socio-economic status (76.3% single-parents and 84.6% high school education or less). Over 28% of women who took the 7-item screening scale scored high enough to indicate completion of the full scale (35-item). Of that sub-set, only 29.4% scored within the range for normal adjustment, with almost 70% scoring positive for significant symptoms of PPD. Ongoing analysis is testing the correlation between total score and variables such as race, marital status, previous history of depression, mode of delivery and method of infant feeding (breast or bottle).

Implications for practice: Routine screening for PPD is a policy that should be included in any setting dealing with postpartum women. In addition, screening in minority populations may indicate that these women are at greater risk for developing symptoms, necessitating an appropriate intervention program.