Associate professor gets $1.2 million grant for study to screen and manage perinatal depression within primary care in China

Congratulations to Shahirose Premji who recently received a Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases Mental Health – Canada-China grant for $1.2 million, with funds ($292,569) from CIHR and the National Natural Science Foundation of China ($919,440). 

Premji’s team includes Keith Dobson from UCalgary and UAlberta’s Shelby Yamamoto who formerly worked with the Faculty of Nursing Research Office. Together with Chinese PI Dr. Fangbiao Tao, dean and professor, Department Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health Anhui Medical University in Hefeim and his team of investigators, the group will explore the screening and management of perinatal depression within primary care. 

According to Premji, associate professor, UCalgary Nursing, even though perinatal depression is generally more common in China than in high-income countries and effective treatments are available, rates of screening, diagnosis and treatment are lower.

“Chinese women’s mental health needs are unmet for many reasons and there are few specialized health-care providers who can support these women,” she explains. “Our study will address the gap in quality of care by isolating best practices to better identify women with depression and provide mental health treatment that reduces depressive symptoms.”

The study’s aim is to see a reduction in the prevalence of antenatal and postpartum depression through an increase in the capacity of health-care professionals and the system overall to prevent and manage perinatal depression among Chinese women.

The team will use internet-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (iCBT) which can reduce the demands on the strained mental health-care system and provide support of a psychological therapist for women referred for the iCBT. Ultimately the hope is to create an effective and sustainable screening and management program within the maternal and child health-care system in China.