Self-Recognition of and Provider Response to Maternal Depressive Symptoms in Low-Income Hispanic Women

Abstract

Maternal depression is prevalent among Hispanic women on Medicaid but is not readily detected by women or providers. Women and providers use different cues to identify depression, possibly leading to communication discrepancies. Further research on the factors that influence self-recognition and provider recognition of maternal depression is needed.

Increasing Diagnosis and Treatment of Perinatal Depression in Latinas and African American Women: Addressing Stigma Is Not Enough

“…Many pregnant women with mental health concerns fear being perceived as “crazy” and worry about losing their child should they disclose depressive symptoms to health care professionals (Nadeem et al, 2007). The fear of losing their child is exacerbated by poverty and immigration status (Chaudron et al, 2005). Among Latinas, concerns about stigma might be further complicated by the practice of Marianismo — the notion that a mother must put her children and family first and sacrifice herself for the well-being of her family — which has been shown to limit treatment-seeking behaviors (Callister, Beckstrand, & Corbett, 2011; Sirulnik, Lara-Cinisomo, Wisner, & Meltzer-Brody, 2014).…”

Postpartum Depression and Culture

“…When contemplating PPD screening, nurses should be sensitive to the cultural context of birth and understand the varying ways in which culturally diverse mothers "conceptualize, explain, and report symptoms of depression" (Dennis & Chung-Lee, 2006, p. 328), for some women may not recognize their symptoms as being related to PPD (Chaudron et al, 2005). Some women may not accept the term "postpartum depression," and in some cultures women may not feel they are able to seek help, for they are expected to stoically fulfill their proscribed social roles with grace and dignity rather than asking for help.…”

Desired assistance versus care received for postpartum depression: access to care differences by race

“…Women tend to not seek out professional treatment for PPD without external prompting (Brown & Lumley, 2000;Chaudron et al, 2005;Lumley et al, 2003;Hearn et al, 1998;Small et al, 1994). One study found that only 2% of women sought psychiatric services for mental health symptoms within the first postpartum year (Kendell et al, 1987) and another found that only one in three sought primary care physician assistance with mental health symptoms (Lumley et al, 2003).…”