Cross-Cultural Approach of Postpartum Depression: Manifestation, Practices Applied, Risk Factors and Therapeutic Interventions

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.

Preliminary Psychometric Testing of the Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory-Revised (PDPI-R) in Portuguese Women

“…In line with existing literature (Evagorou et al, 2016;Norhayati et al, 2015), previous depression, prenatal depression and anxiety, and lack of social support were highly predictive risk factors across cultures. Interestingly, despite different postpartum traditional practices and cultural beliefs towards motherhood between European and Asian countries (Evagorou et al, 2016), the similar findings between the studies under comparison add evidence about cross-cultural similarities in the role of difficulties with emotional and practical aspects of baby care for unhappiness following delivery (Oates et al, 2004).…”

“…Importantly, despite its relatively universality, the experience of PPD may differ across countries and cultures (Evagorou, Arvaniti, & Samakouri, 2016). Moreover, although the PDPI-R was based on risk factors globally established, culturally-specific beliefs and postpartum practices may impact the magnitude of each risk factor differently across cultures.…”

Risk For Postpartum Depression Among Immigrant Arabic Women in the United States: A Feasibility Study

“…In understanding the observation that lack of social support and maternity blues were significant predictors of PPD, it is crucial to understand the cultural differences that might be essential to these findings. In anthropological literature, civilizations are classified based on the care the woman receives after birth into Technocentric and Ethnokinship cultures . Technocentric refers to cultures where the primary concern is postpartum care of the newborn or infant while the woman's care comes second .…”

“…In anthropological literature, civilizations are classified based on the care the woman receives after birth into Technocentric and Ethnokinship cultures . Technocentric refers to cultures where the primary concern is postpartum care of the newborn or infant while the woman's care comes second . These cultures include United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Western Europe, and Australia .…”

Implications of Polymorphisms in the CRHR1 Gene on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Functioning in Postpartum Depression

“…As proposed in the original project, pregnant volunteers were invited to fill up questionnaires, period are highly prevalent, affecting 10-15% of postpartum women in Western Europe and North America, and up to 40% of postpartum women in developing regions of the globe, which suggests a probable involvement of environmental factors in the occurrence of PPD [4]. Among other factors, the significant hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and in the immediate postpartum may contribute to an increased sensitivity to environmental stressors and a greater vulnerability to PPD [5].…”