The Impact of Cultural Factors Upon Postpartum Depression: A Literature Review Original paper

What was reviewed?

This literature review examines the impact of cultural factors on postpartum depression (PPD). It explores how different cultural practices, traditions, and beliefs influence the prevalence and severity of PPD. The review analyzes studies conducted globally, comparing postpartum women’s experiences with cultural rituals and social support systems. It categorizes the cultural factors into alleviating, deteriorating, and neutral influences on postpartum depression.

Who was reviewed?

The review primarily focuses on studies involving postpartum women from various cultural backgrounds. The women reviewed were from countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Turkey, India, the United States, and Japan, each with distinct cultural practices and social norms regarding childbirth and the postpartum period. The studies reviewed examined women’s experiences with support systems, cultural practices like “doing the month” or Satogaeri bunben, and the role of family and community in alleviating or exacerbating depressive symptoms after childbirth.

What were the most important findings?

The review found that cultural factors play a significant role in postpartum depression, with different cultures having varying impacts on the severity of the condition. In some cultures, traditional postpartum practices were found to alleviate symptoms of PPD. For example, the practice of “doing the month” in Taiwan, which provides extensive rest and family support, was associated with lower levels of depression. Similarly, in cultures with strong family involvement, such as in Japan and Taiwan, postpartum women reported less depressive symptoms, especially when they received support from extended families. However, in cultures where there was a lack of support or negative family dynamics, such as conflicts with in-laws, postpartum depression was more pronounced.

Interestingly, the review also noted that in some cases, cultural factors might exacerbate postpartum depression. For instance, in some communities, social expectations, such as the cultural preference for male children, could trigger or worsen depression in women. In other instances, when cultural practices were not adhered to, such as in the case of Vietnamese or Arabic women in Australia, lack of support and disconnection from traditional rituals increased the risk of PPD.

What are the greatest implications of this review?

The greatest implication of this review is the need for healthcare professionals to consider cultural contexts when diagnosing and treating postpartum depression. The findings suggest that while cultural practices can act as protective factors for some women, they can also increase the risk of PPD in others. Healthcare providers should be trained to recognize the role of culture in shaping women’s mental health experiences and be sensitive to these factors when developing care plans. Additionally, the review calls for further research into how cultural beliefs and practices influence mental health outcomes for postpartum women, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive interventions. The review also suggests that integrating traditional support systems with modern healthcare services could help alleviate PPD in certain cultural contexts.