KADER MENTARI Synergy: Empowering Posyandu Cadres for Early Detection of Perinatal Depression in the Wagir Primary Healthcare Center Area

Abstract

Recent transformations in the basic health system through Primary Healthcare Integration (ILP) emphasize the need for comprehensive care, including mental health monitoring for pregnant women (Cluster 2). Despite this, current services at Integrated Healthcare Centers (Posyandu) remain heavily physical-centric, leaving cadres inadequately prepared to detect psychosocial issues. This community engagement program aimed to improve the literacy and practical skills of Posyandu cadres in the Wagir Primary Healthcare Center (Puskesmas Wagir) area to conduct early detection of perinatal depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This activities using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, with the program was carried out in three stages: (1) Preparation, which involved initial mapping and the development of the KADER MENTARI Training Module; (2) Intervention, comprising a facilitated training focused on empathetic EPDS interviewing techniques, score calculation, and crisis referral management; and (3) Mentoring and Evaluation, which included direct mentoring of cadres at the Posyandu and the assessment of their final competencies. Nineteen cadres participated in the program. Evaluation results revealed a significant improvement in the cadres' knowledge, with the average pre-test score rising from 72.6 to 81.6 in the post-test (a 9.0-point increase). Furthermore, the competency assessment showed that 78.9% of the cadres achieved a competent passing grade. Consequently, the KADER MENTARI Synergy program effectively enhanced both the cognitive and psychomotor capacities of the cadres, better preparing them to serve as the frontline of maternal mental health care in their communities.