Mood and anxiety problems in perinatal Indigenous women in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States: A critical review of the literature

Abstract

We conducted a review of research literature related to anxiety, depression, and mood problems in Indigenous women in Canada, the United States (including Hawaii), Australia, and New Zealand. Quantitative and qualitative research studies published between 1980 and March 2010 were reviewed. The initial search revealed 396 potential documents, and after being checked for relevance by two researchers, data were extracted from 16 quantitative studies, one qualitative research article, and one dissertation. Depression is a common problem in Indigenous pregnant and postpartum women; however, the prevalence and correlates of anxiety and mood disorders are understudied. The review identified four key areas where further research is needed: (a) longitudinal, population-based studies; (b) further validation and modification of appropriate screening tools; (c) exploration of cultural diversity and meaning of the lived experiences of antenatal and postpartum depression, anxiety, and mood disorders; and (d) development of evidence-informed practices for researchers and practitioners through collaborations with Aboriginal communities to better understand and improve mental health of women of childbearing age.

Predictors of post-natal depression are shaped distinctly by the measure of ‘depression’

“…The first is similar to rates reported in a review study of 6.5% for major depression and 14.5% for major and minor depression combined (Gavin et al, 2005), as well as rates reported in other Australian research studies (Bowen et al, 2014). When a composite variable was created (major depression present and/or in receipt of an antidepressant medication and therefore capturing women who had been depressed/distressed but presumably responded to medication) the prevalence rate of 10.6% was in the PND range noted in the Section 1 of 10-15%.…”

“…Predicting those likely to develop post-natal depression (PND) is an important public health and clinical priority, with the condition quantified as affecting 10-15% of mothers in international reviews (Markhus et al, 2013) and 8-12% in Australian studies of respective non-indigenous and indigenous women (Bowen et al, 2014). Post-natal depression is commonly diagnosed using DSM criteria with the specifier "with peripartum onset," or by use of specifically designed dimensional measures.…”

Psychosocial Well-Being Indicators of Pregnant Women of the Ethnic Mexican Teenek

“…In Mexico exist different organizations focused to vigilance the violence of pregnant women, specifically in rural and indigenous zones, because the prenatal period supposes a vulnerable time lapse characterized by major susceptibility to depress, which is a pathology more disabling in a critical period of all women the witch needed self-care and care for her baby. The prevalence of depression in pregnancy and puerperal period is around 10-20%, in agree to various authors [8][9][10], however, little studies have been published related with indigenous women [11] and, few studies or none has been published for pregnant indigenous Mexican women. In regard to satisfaction surveys about life quality, although appear to be subjective methods, these can offer wellness, self-perception data and suggest a comparison point with other populations [12].…”

Buffering effects of social support for Indigenous males and females living with historical trauma and loss in 2 First Nation communities

“…are resilient and report excellent or very good health [17][18][19][20]. Some evidence suggests that social support might play a role in the resilience of Indigenous people.…”