Psychological, Psychosocial and Obstetric Differences between Spanish and Immigrant Mothers: Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract

This study analyzed the influence of psychological and psychosocial factors of pregnant women at an obstetric level. The possible differences between Spaniards and immigrants were studied. This was a retrospective observational study. The sample has been divided into two study cohorts, one consisting of Spanish pregnant women and one consisting of foreign pregnant women. Both completed the Revised Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. A total of 15.9% of Spanish women and 23.2% of immigrants had depressive symptoms. Immigrants claim to have less support at the partner, family, and friendship levels than Spaniards. Moreover, 16.4% of Spaniards vs. 8.1% of immigrants had pregnancy complications; Cesarean section was performed in 16.2% of Spaniards vs. 7.9% of immigrants. A greater number of premature births were detected in immigrants than in Spaniards. Access to universal healthcare is a protective factor against socioeconomic and cultural conditions affecting the mental and obstetrical health of immigrants.

Perinatal Depression in the Spanish Context: Consensus Report from the General Council of Psychology of Spain

“…It seems that poor social support, lack of competence in the language of the host country, low socioeconomic status, refugee or asylum seeker status, and belonging to minority ethnicities would be some variables related to the occurrence of these disorders (Chrzan-D tko , et al, 2022). This may be particularly relevant in Spain given the increasing multiculturalism of this country due to different migratory movements experienced in recent decades (Ledoux et al, 2018;Martínez-Herreros et al, 2022).…”