Initiating perinatal depression screening in rural WIC clinics: WIC provider perceptions of barriers and facilitators

ABSTRACT Rural residents experience higher rates of perinatal depression (PND) than non- rural peers; yet are less likely to receive screening. The Supplemental Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) offers a potential screening site. Using sequential mixed methods, we surveyed rural Michigan WIC clinics about PND screening. Then randomly selected providers completed qualitative interviews. Nineteen of 26 clinics completed the survey (73.3%). Eighty-three percent indicated interest in PND screening if barriers were reduced (n = 15). Eleven providers completed interviews, resulting in five core codes. Rural Michigan WIC clinics are promising sites for PND screening if implementation barriers are addressed.