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BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) is the most common medical problem among new mothers that can have a negative impact on infant health. Traditional treatments are often difficult for low-income mothers to complete, particularly given the numerous barriers families face. ObjectiveAmong low-income, primarily racial, and ethnic minority mothers with postpartum depression, our aim was to evaluate (1) the feasibility of sending supportive text messages, and (2) the perception of receiving private, supportive text messages for postpartum depression. MethodsMothers found to be at risk for postpartum depression received supportive text messages four times weekly for 6 months in addition to receiving access to traditional counseling services based within an academic pediatric office. Feasibility was evaluated along with cellular and text messaging use, access, and perception of the message protocol. Perception of the message protocol was evaluated at study completion via a Likert scale questionnaire and open-ended qualitative survey. ResultsIn total, 4158/4790 (86.81%) text messages were successfully delivered to 54 mothers over a 6-month period at a low cost (US $777.60). Among the 96 scripted messages, 37 unique messages (38.54%) allowed for a response. Of all sent messages that allowed for responses, 7.30% (118/1616) were responded to, and 66.1% of those responses requested a call back; 46% (25/54) of mothers responded at least once to a text message. Mothers felt that messages were easily received and read (25/28, 89%) and relevant to them personally (23/28, 82%). Most shared texts with others (21/28, 75%). ConclusionsText messaging is feasible, well-accepted, and may serve as a simple, inexpensive adjunct therapy well-suited to cross socioeconomic boundaries and provide private support for at-risk mothers suffering from postpartum depression.

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a bacterial infection with typically rapid onset. In children, infection is associated with high (7%-9%) case-fatality rates (CFRs) and serious long-term sequelae (2,2). Infants and [...]

Opportunities created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act along with the increased prevalence of pediatric behavioral and mental health concerns provide new challenges for pediatric health care providers. To address these matters, providers need to change the manner by which they provide health care to families. A novel approach is providing brief, rapid response, evidence-based parenting interventions within the pediatric primary care setting. Family-focused parenting programs support the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations of improving mental health via supports in pediatric primary care to maximize the social and psychological well-being of families. A considerable body of research indicates that parenting interventions reduce the severity and frequency of disruptive behavior disorders in children and provide support to parent by bolstering parental resilience and improving overall family functioning. Providing these services within the pediatric primary care setting addresses the need for fully integrated health services that are family-centered and easily accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The use of cell phone text messaging in the medical field is of growing interest, but there are few data examining its value in medical education. The text4peds educational text‐messaging program was created for third‐year medical students preparing for the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) paediatric subject examination. Methods: A randomised, controlled trial was conducted with third‐year medical students on their paediatric clerkship. Students in the intervention group received daily messages consisting of multiple‐choice questions with links to online material. The control group received no text messages. The impact of the intervention was assessed by examining the participants' NBME examination scores and by participant surveys. Results: A total of 162 students participated in the study. There was no statistical difference between the two groups, with the texting group having a mean score of 77.7 and with the non‐texting group having a mean score of 77.8 on the NBME. Subgroup analysis examining the effect of anticipated specialty and online material interaction also failed to find any statistically significant difference. Students reported satisfaction with the program, with 84% rating the text messages as helpful. The students rated their participation as high, with 92% saying that they looked at the messages more than 60% of the time. Among those who received text messages, 90% would recommend the program to others. There was no statistical difference between the two group Conclusion: A text‐messaging‐based educational tool had a perceived positive educational value for medical students. This study failed to show any statistically significant impact on NBME examination scores from the text‐messaging intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study related to the importance of parental knowledge of child development in estimating risk of child maltreatment. Topics discussed include increase in the risk of physical and emotional injuries; importance of parental knowledge of child development, increase in the risk of child maltreatment, prevention of maltreatment; and mentions several risk factors of maltreatment including low maternal empathy and family role-reversal.