Cross-cultural experience of maternal postnatal depression

Citation

Arifin SRM, Cheyne H & Maxwell M (2020) Cross-cultural experience of maternal postnatal depression. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 24 (3), pp. 147-156. https://doi.org/10.37200/IJPR/V24I3/PR200765

Abstract
The prevalence of maternal postnatal depression (PND) varies from 0% to 60% globally. This wide variety brings up the issue of whether PND is a universal medical condition or whether it is an idea impacted by cultural and social translations, and the labelling of signs and symptoms. The objective of this review was to understand women’s experience of PND in different countries. Studies reporting women’s experiences of PND were searched through databases of CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE, Psy INFO and ASSIA databases using specific key words. Articles published between 2006 and 2016 were filtered for inclusion criteria. A total of 27 studies on maternal experience of PND conducted in ten different countries including America, Canada, South Africa, United Kingdom, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, China, and Taiwan were reviewed. Findings indicated that while women recognized the emotional changes in themselves after their childbirth, they were unable to perceive these as burdensome symptoms, resulting in delayed diagnosis of PND. The issues of cultures and traditions were perceived by Asian women as one of the contributing factors to PND.HCPs were regarded by the women as having a lack of knowledge in supporting mental wellbeing among postnatal women. Therefore, it is crucial to educate both HCPs and communities to notice and react to women’s depressed feelings. The management of maternal PND should acknowledge the social and cultural element as many women associated this with the development of PND.

Keywords
qualitative; mothers; perspectives; experiences; postnatal depression; maternal mental health

Journal
International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Volume 24, Issue 3

People

Professor Helen Cheyne

Personal Chair, NMAHP

Professor Margaret Maxwell

Director of NMAHP Research Unit, NMAHP