The Rate and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in Vietnam From 2010 to 2020: A Literature Review Original paper

What was reviewed?

This review focused on the rate and risk factors of postpartum depression (PPD) in Vietnam, based on studies published from 2010 to 2020. It synthesized findings from 18 research articles that explored the prevalence and contributing risk factors for PPD among Vietnamese mothers. The review analyzed studies that used quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, assessing the prevalence of PPD across different time points postnatally, from one month to more than a year after childbirth. It also examined the tools used for screening, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

Who was reviewed?

The studies reviewed focused on postpartum women in Vietnam, typically ranging from one month to a year postpartum. These women came from different socio-economic backgrounds, with a majority being from rural and urban regions of Vietnam. The articles reviewed used both qualitative and quantitative research designs. These studies explored a wide range of risk factors for PPD, including personal factors such as education level, mental health history, and preparedness for motherhood, as well as family-related factors like lack of support and intimate partner violence. Environmental factors such as stressful life events and living in rural areas were also considered in these studies.

What were the most important findings?

The review revealed that the rate of postpartum depression in Vietnam varied significantly depending on the timing of the postnatal screening and the tool used to assess depression. The prevalence of PPD among Vietnamese women ranged from 8.2% to 37.1%. Studies using the EPDS typically showed higher prevalence rates in the first three months postpartum, with rates reaching 34.3%. The most common risk factors for PPD identified in these studies included low educational attainment, history of mental trauma, lack of family support, marital conflicts, and stressful life events. Other risk factors included intimate partner violence, especially emotional and physical abuse, and the cultural preference for sons, which added stress for new mothers. The review also highlighted that rural women, or those living in socioeconomically disadvantaged conditions, were more likely to experience PPD.

What are the greatest implications of this review?

The findings underscore the importance of addressing PPD as a significant health issue in Vietnam. The high prevalence rates and the variety of risk factors identified point to the need for tailored interventions, including culturally sensitive screening programs. The review recommends that healthcare providers in Vietnam integrate routine PPD screenings in the first month postpartum, as current studies have largely neglected this early postnatal period. Additionally, the review calls for better education and mental health preparation for new mothers to address the personal and familial factors contributing to PPD. Policy-makers are encouraged to create supportive policies, including expanding mental health services in rural areas and providing better family support programs for new mothers, particularly those in vulnerable socio-economic situations. Furthermore, future research should explore PPD in the earliest postnatal stages, particularly in rural areas where support is minimal.