Perinatal depression prevention through home visitation: a cluster randomized trial of mothers and babies 1-on-1.

Postpartum depression is highly prevalent in low-income women and has significant health effects on mother and child. This pilot study tested the effectiveness of the newly adapted Mothers and Babies (MB) 1-on-1 intervention. A cluster randomized trial was conducted with 8 programs using trained home visitors to deliver MB 1-on-1 and 6 delivering usual home visiting. One hundred twenty pregnant women not experiencing major depression were enrolled. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 3- and 6-months postpartum. The rate of change in depressive and anxiety symptoms between groups was significant at 6 months, but not 3 months. No statistically significant differences between groups were found on secondary outcomes except perceptions of social support at 6 months. There was variability in use of MB skills, with fewer women using cognitive restructuring techniques. Although larger studies should be conducted, MB 1-on-1 appears promising in using home visitors to deliver a cognitive behavioral intervention to women at risk for postpartum depression.

Conocimientos relacionados con aspectos de la administración de medicamentos en la práctica de enfermería en tres hospitales del Atlántico (Colombia) / Knowledge related with aspects of administration of medicines into nursing practice in three hospitals of Atlantico (Colombia)

Objetivo: Describir los conocimientos relacionados con aspectos de la administración de medicamentos en la práctica de enfermería. Materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo entre marzo y mayo de 2011 en tres instituciones de salud del departamento del Atlántico, en el que se estimó una muestra por conveniencia de 103 enfermeras y un enfermero encargadas de realizar las actividades relacionadas con la administración de medicamentos. Se aplicaron dos cuestionarios; uno fue respondido por las enfermeras de los hospitales y el otro fue diligenciado por los investigadores por medio de la observación a las enfermeras durante la administración de medicamentos. Resultados: El 90.4 % de las enfermeras refirió que tenía conocimiento sobre las diferentes reacciones adversas que pueden presentar los medicamentos; el 53.8 % consideró suficiente la teoría y práctica adquirida en la universidad acerca de la farmacología; el 65.4 % manifestó que cuenta oportunamente con los insumos necesarios para administrar medicamentos. Conclusiones: Se encontró debilidades en el área de farmacología durante la formación universitaria, en la disponibilidad de insumos, en las entregas de turno y en los espacios destinados para la preparación de medicamentos. Un gran porcentaje conoce las reacciones adversas a medicamentos, pero tiene insuficiente conocimiento sobre términos farmacológicos como sinergismo y antagonismo.

Objective: To describe knowledge related to aspects of the administration of medicines into nursing practice. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive study from March to May 2011 in three health institutions of Department of Atlántico, which estimated a convenience sample of 104 nurses, who were responsible for carrying out activities related to administration of medicines. We applied two questionnaires, one was answered by nurses in hospitals, and the second was completed by researchers through observation of nursing staff during the administration of medicines. Results: 90.4 % of nurses had knowledge about various adverse drugs reactions that may occur, 53.8 % considered sufficient theory and practice learned in college about pharmacology, 65.4 % reported that timely had the necessary materials in order to administer medication. Conclusions: There are weaknesses in the area of pharmacology knowledge from university training, the availability of hospital materials, in nursing handoff 'during change of shift and in the spaces for the preparation of medication. A large percentage of nurses know adverse drug reactions, but there is insufficient knowledge about pharmacological terminology such as synergism and antagonism.