Treatment of maternal depression in urban slums of Karachi, Pakistan: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an integrated maternal psychological and early child development intervention

Background Maternal depression is a major public health problem. This may affect a mother's ability to provide adequate care for the child. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Learning through Play Plus program (LTP Plus) – a parenting program integrated with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Methods A total of 247 women with symptoms of depression in Karachi, Pakistan were assigned randomly to either LTP Plus or routine care (Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT00835016). Symptoms of maternal depression were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 3 and 6 months after baseline. Results At 3 months, there was a significant reduction in the EPDS scores in the intervention group compared to the routine group (adjusted mean difference [AMD] −3.65, 95% CI −6.14 to −1.15, p < 0.004). This effect was sustained at 6 months (AMD −2.62, 95% CI −4.43 to −0.81, p < 0.005). These women also reported less parental distress and disability. There was also a significant improvement in maternal knowledge about child development at 6 months. Conclusion There was a significant reduction in depression among women who received the group parenting program LTP Plus. This intervention has the potential to be scaled up and integrated with mother and child health programs.