PTSD Screening in Pregnant Black Women

Purpose

This study will compare the effectiveness of two active screening interventions in improving post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, maternal perinatal care utilization, satisfaction utilization of mental healthcare services, and maternal health and birth-related outcomes for Black pregnant women.

Conditions

  • Pregnancy Early
  • PTSD

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 18 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Inclusion Criteria

  • 18+ years old, - Ability to provide informed consent, - English-speaking, - Willingness to participate in the study, - Self-identification as Black or African American, - Pregnant and in the first trimester attending initial prenatal care visit, - Endorsement of at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Active suicidality

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel Assignment
Primary Purpose
Prevention
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Culturally Responsive SBIRT for OB
Participants randomized to Culturally Responsive SBIRT for OB will participate in the intervention visit (20-30 minutes) while waiting for their OB visit (or after the visit if time does not allow) and then engage in their prenatal care visit as usual. If any safety concerns emerge during the visit, the lay provider will contact the clinical staff on the study
  • Behavioral: Culturally Responsive SBIRT for OB
    SBIRT is a well-established enhanced screening preventive intervention model that is feasible and acceptable for use with trauma-exposed patients and in minoritized communities and can be delivered in the OB clinic during a prenatal care visit. The elements include: 1. standardized screening for PTSD and depression using the Primary Care Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Screen (PC-PTSD-5) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screening (EPDS) that will mirror brief screening practice; 2. explicit focus on concerns regarding mistrust, 3. psychoeducation on PTSD, depression, and the effects of trauma including medical trauma and traumatic loss on health/functioning, 4. motivational interviewing strategy components to promote awareness of psychological symptoms and engagement in culturally relevant resources including support/resources related to relevant social determinants of health, 5. teaching coping skills with culturally responsive technology tools
    Other names:
    • Screening Preventive Intervention Model
Experimental
Brief Screening for PTSD
Participants randomized to Brief Screening For PTSD, screening will be conducted as part of regular clinic activities during the initial prenatal care visit. Specifically, clinic staff (nurse, PA) or study staff will ask the questions in the PC-PTSD-5 along with the standard procedure to administer the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the provider will review the results with the patient during the prenatal care visit and provide referral resources regardless of screen outcome. Positive PTSD screens (PC-PTSD-5 ≥ 3) will be referred to the hospital's integrated care team following the same model as positive EPDS screens.
  • Behavioral: Brief Screening for PTSD
    This well-established 5-minute in-clinic interview includes administration of the PC-PTSD-5, a 5-item PTSD screening tool by trained medical staff (nurse, physician's assistant). Providers receive approximately one hour of training in trauma-informed care and how to administer the screening protocol. This method is regularly used in primary care clinic settings with trauma-exposed veterans and is validated for use in civilian samples, including low-income Black adults utilizing urban safety net hospital medical clinics.
    Other names:
    • Standard Screening

Recruiting Locations

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Emory University

Study Contact

Abigail Powers Lott, PhD, ABPP
404-712-0159
abigail.lott@emoryhealthcare.org

Detailed Description

Researchers will examine whether Culturally Responsive Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for obstetrics (OB) is more effective in reducing PTSD symptoms compared to brief screening for PTSD. This study will help participating OB clinics to determine the best option for screening for PTSD in Black pregnant persons in their clinic during first-trimester prenatal visits. The study population will include Black pregnant women receiving medical care in their first trimester of pregnancy. Surveys and chart abstraction will be used in this study to collect data. The approximate study duration for individuals is 4 visits over 12 months.