Factors Related to Seeking Help for Postpartum Depression: A Secondary Analysis of New York City PRAMS Data Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
OverviewPostpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health issue affecting 13-19% of women globally within the first year after childbirth.[1][2] It is characterized by symptoms such as persistent sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and irritability. PPD not only impacts the mother’s mental health but also poses risks to infant development, including attachment issues, growth impairment, and behavioral […]
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study analyzed the factors associated with seeking help for postpartum depression (PPD) among women experiencing recurrent depressive symptoms. It specifically aimed to identify socio-demographic and health-related factors influencing whether postpartum women sought medical assistance for their depressive symptoms, using secondary data from the New York City Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) from 2016–2017.
Who was studied?
The study included 618 postpartum women from New York City who reported recurrent depressive symptoms on the PRAMS survey. These women represented various socio-demographic backgrounds, including different age groups, racial and ethnic identities, educational attainment levels, income brackets, and health conditions.
What were the most important findings?
The key finding was that most women experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms did not seek professional help, despite having significant depressive symptoms. Only 18% sought help, whereas being directly asked about depressive symptoms at prenatal or postnatal visits had less impact compared to active help-seeking behavior. The likelihood of receiving a formal PPD diagnosis was dramatically higher when women sought help on their own. Significant socio-demographic factors identified were income and pregnancy intentionality; higher-income women were more likely to seek help, while surprisingly, women with intended pregnancies were less likely to seek assistance.
Notably, Asian/Pacific Islander women had significantly lower help-seeking behaviors than other racial groups, reflecting pronounced cultural barriers and stigma surrounding mental health. Additionally, previous mental health history and visits for chronic illnesses emerged as critical health-related factors positively influencing help-seeking behaviors. Women with prior depression or anxiety or those who visited healthcare providers for chronic conditions were more likely to seek professional help, indicating a familiarity or reduced stigma towards accessing healthcare services.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
This study underscores the crucial role stigma reduction and mental health awareness can play in addressing postpartum depression. The markedly low help-seeking rates, particularly among API women and those with intended pregnancies, highlight the need for culturally sensitive educational interventions to normalize mental health discussions. The findings advocate incorporating mental health education within prenatal classes and routine postpartum visits. Furthermore, these insights suggest that clinicians should proactively address stigma and encourage openness about mental health to enhance early detection and treatment adherence for postpartum depression.