Togzhan, Yerlankyzy2024-10-072024-10-072024Togzhan, Y. (2024). Knowledge of Perinatal Depression and Attitudes towards its Screening among Residents of Medical Universities in Kazakhstan: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nazarbayev University School of Medicinehttps://nur.nu.edu.kz/handle/123456789/8277Background: Perinatal depression (PD), a non-psychotic depressive condition, can begin during pregnancy (antenatal depression) and last for up to a year after birth (postnatal depression). Antenatal depression is 26.3% and postnatal depression is 27.6% prevalent worldwide. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge and awareness regarding PD as well as the attitudes of residents in Kazakhstani medical universities on its screening. Our study also aimed to explore how participants' demographics, knowledge, and attitudes about PD relate to their intention to screen for PD in the future. Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire covering 87 residents was conducted among residents from medical universities and centers in Kazakhstan. Knowledge questions were developed based on previous studies (Jones et al., 2011; Chrzan-Dętkoś & Walczak-Kozłowska, 2020). Data was analyzed using the Stata software version 17. We assessed the relationships between dependent and independent variables using the Fisher exact test, chi-square, t-test, and bivariate analyses. Results: Results revealed a moderate level of knowledge about antenatal and postnatal depression, highlighting significant gaps in understanding risk factors and treatment modalities. Despite this, attitudes toward screening were generally positive, with a notable intention among residents to screen for PD in their future practice. Significant factors influencing the intention to screen were the residency program, personal acquaintance with PD-affected individuals, postnatal knowledge scores, attitudes, and interest in training, barriers included Ministry of Health directives and insufficient training. Conclusion: Recommendations include the development of educational resources and integrating mental health education into medical curricula to equip future physicians to manage PD effectively.enAttribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United StatesType of access: Gatedperinatal depression (PD)knowledgeattitudeintention to screenMaster`s thesis