Using YouTube Comments Data to Explore Postpartum Depression in Social Media: An Infodemiology Study

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent mental health issue profoundly impacting both parents and their families. This study examines YouTube comments to identify common public discourse and prevalent themes surrounding PPD. Methods: We analyzed 4915 comments from 33 YouTube videos to provide a comprehensive picture of PPD-related discourse on social media. We analyzed data using engagement metrics and Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Results: The engagement metrics indicted that public discourse is primarily focused on the stigma associated with PPD in men and celebrities, with related videos receiving significant attention and high engagement metrics score. Thematic analysis revealed two themes: (1) perspectives of stigmatized, stigmatizer and people in between; and (2) adaptation despite adversity. Conclusion: This study provides key insights into public discourse on PPD. It highlights the importance of family and community support and advocates for a healthcare system capable of addressing the needs of stigmatized populations. A significant finding of this study is the call for action to raise awareness and debunk myths about PPD. Misconceptions worsen stigma and deter help-seeking by affected individuals. Awareness initiatives are crucial to enhance public understanding of PPD symptoms, its impact on individuals and families, and the importance of parental mental health.