Cross-cultural approach of postpartum depression: Manifestation, practices applied, risk factors, and therapeutic interventions

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Abstract

It is a well known fact that postpartum depression (PPD) is a global phenomenon that women may experience, regardless of cultural identity and beliefs. This literature review presents the cultural beliefs and postnatal practices around the world, in each continent and people’s origins, looking through the extent to which they contribute positively or negatively to the onset of the disease. 106 articles were used in this research, through a systematic electronic search of Pubmed (Medline) and Scopus. Comparison is also made between the prevalence, the risk factors and the different ways of appearance of the disease around the world and among immigrants. Finally, the initiatives and interventions made so far by the governments and institutions with a view to prevent and address this global problem are presented. The results showed (a) that different cultures share the same risk factors towards the disease (b) significant differences in the prevalence of the disease among both Western and non Western cultures and between the cultures themselves (c) more tendencies for somatization of depressive symptoms in non—Western cultures, (d) different postnatal practices between cultures, which are not always effective (e) the more non-West a culture is, the less interventions concern on mental health; the same phenomenon is observed on populations burdened by immigration. The beliefs held by culture should be taken seriously in detecting of PPD, as well as the assessment of the needs of women who have recently given birth.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What Works to Improve Maternal Mental Health Outcomes for Refugees?

This evidence summary summarizes the state of available evidence on the impacts of interventions targeting the reduction of adverse mental health symptoms in expectant or new mothers. This summary includes interventions that are either directly impacting the mothers or aiming to increase rates of screening by medical providers.

About this study

AGE: Adults

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Free

GENDER: Female

HOST COUNTRY: Multiple countries

OUTCOME AREA: Mental Health

POPULATION: Other

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Strong

TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2016

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