Canadian Refugee Women Are at Increased Risk of Postpartum Depression: How Can We Help?

Hrabok, Marianne; Watterson, Rita; DeVetten, Giselle; Wagner, Alese

doi:10.1016/j.jogc.2020.03.023

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 8 publications

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“…The COVID-specific experiences of non-newcomer women parallels the pre-pandemic postpartum experiences of resettled refugee women. Isolated birthing experiences [ 47 – 49 ], reduced access to informal support people [ 48 , 50 – 52 ], and high rates of postpartum depressive symptoms [ 28 , 53 , 54 ] were all experienced by resettled refugee women before the pandemic began.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“COVID affected us all:” the birth and postnatal health experiences of resettled Syrian refugee women during COVID-19 in Canada

et al. 2021

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Background Prior to COVID-19, postnatal resettled refugee women in Canada reported barriers to healthcare and low levels of social support, contributing to maternal health morbidities. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to be further exacerbating health inequities for marginalized populations. The experiences of resettled refugee women are not fully known. Aim To understand Syrian refugee women’s experiences accessing postnatal healthcare services and supports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Semi-structured, virtual interviews were conducted with eight resettled Syrian refugee women living in Nova Scotia (Canada) who were postnatal between March and August 2020. Data analysis was informed by constructivist grounded theory. Findings Three themes emerged: “the impacts of COVID-19 on postnatal healthcare;” “loss of informal support;” and “grief and anxiety.” Women experienced difficult healthcare interactions, including socially and physically isolated deliveries, challenges accessing in-person interpreters, and cancelled or unavailable in-home services (e.g., public health nurse and doula visits). Increased childcare responsibilities and limited informal supports due to pandemic restrictions left women feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Stay-at-home orders resulted in some women reporting feelings of isolation and loss, as they were unable to share in person postnatal moments with friends and family, ultimately impacting their mental wellness. Conclusions COVID-19 and associated public health restrictions had significant impacts on postnatal Syrian refugee women. Data presented in this study demonstrated the ways in which the pandemic environment and related restrictions amplified pre-existing barriers to care and postnatal health inequalities for resettled refugee women—particularly a lack of postnatal informal supports and systemic barriers to care.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“COVID affected us all:” the birth and postnatal health experiences of resettled Syrian refugee women during COVID-19 in Canada

et al. 2021

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Syrian refugee women's experiences of barriers to mental health services for postpartum depression

Salameh,

Sakarya,

Acarturk

et al. 2024

Journal of Advanced Nursing

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ObjectiveTo describe Syrian refugee women's experiences of the barriers to access mental health services for postpartum depression (PPD).DesignA descriptive qualitative study was conducted.MethodsFifteen purposefully selected Syrian refugee women who scored ≥10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale participated in the semi‐structured telephone interviews. Transcripts were coded verbatim and analysed thematically according to the dimensions of Levesque's model of patient‐centred access to healthcare. Data were collected between August 2022 and February 2023.ResultsFive themes with 14 subthemes were identified: (1) approachability covered lack of knowledge and misconceptions related to PPD and its treatment, lack of awareness of available psychosocial services and perceived need of mental health treatment; (2) acceptability comprised being a refugee, stigma of mental illness, cultural preferences of healthcare provider and language barrier; (3) availability and accommodation encompassed transportation barrier and location of the centre, no support for childcare and lack of time; (4) affordability included financial difficulties and health insurance coverage; (5) appropriateness comprised no screening for PPD and intermittent services with limited focus on mental health.ConclusionsThe findings of this study reveal that Syrian refugee women experienced multi‐faceted complex barriers to access mental health services for PPD. It is important for health professionals, including nurses, and policymakers to address the cultural mental health needs of this population and establish strategies to protect their legal and health rights.ImpactOur study has important practice and policy implications for establishing strategies designed specifically for refugee mothers to mitigate their perceived barriers to PPD treatment and ultimately improve their mental health.Reporting MethodThe Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research was used.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution. Participants were Syrian refugee women with PPD symptoms and contributed only to the interviews and member checking.

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Canadian Refugee Women Are at Increased Risk of Postpartum Depression: How Can We Help?

Cited by 2 publications

References 8 publications

“COVID affected us all:” the birth and postnatal health experiences of resettled Syrian refugee women during COVID-19 in Canada

“COVID affected us all:” the birth and postnatal health experiences of resettled Syrian refugee women during COVID-19 in Canada

Syrian refugee women's experiences of barriers to mental health services for postpartum depression

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