Dissertation Abstract On Psychosocial Risk Factors Involved In Postpartum Depression Across Different Cultural Groups: A Review Of Literature.

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Abstract

Postpartum depression is a psychological disorder experienced by women after childbirth typically associated with depression, hopelessness, guilt, including manifestation leading to suicidal tendencies. This makes the woman and her family vulnerable to the ill effects that come with the condition. While this is a psychological disorder typically endured by women, men are not exempted from encountering PPD. In fact, statistics revealed that 25% of men who were deeply involved in their wives’ pregnancy are likely to experience the baby blues. In an article published in the website WebMD reports that 1 in 10 men get depressed shortly prior or after the arrival of a newborn. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have recommended that women be screened for signs of depression early on during their pregnancy to help ensure that the soon-to-be-mothers are well-prepared for the arrival of their newborn. In addition, it revealed that the risk factors for PPD is not limited to a particular culture or subculture. Instead, studies show that the risk factors are similar across countries, cultures and diverse population. The goal of this paper to gather literature that would support the assumption that the psychosocial risk factors for PPD is comparable to different cultures. To satisfy the assumption the proponent gathered literature published in English and Spanish from 1985 to 2014. From this extensive research, it revealed that the prevalence of postpartum depression varies from the socioeconomic climate of a given country. From a global perspective, the prevalence of PPD was documented at 0.5% to 60.8% during the first 12 months after childbirth. This reflects how much PPD varies from countries to countries. Developing countries revealed a higher incidence rate recorded at p= 1.9% to 82.1% as compared to developed countries with recorded prevalence rate of 5.2% to 74.0%. Nevertheless, the risk factors associated with PPD have revealed to be similar across all countries and cultures. All have cultural, psychosocial and spiritual factors identified as major factors that trigger the depressive state after childbirth.
Keywords: Postpartum depression, risk factors, culture, psychosocial factors