“MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AND POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: A QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTION OF VIEWS OF LOWER INCOME WOMEN” – GUY (2014) -Jasmine R.

BACKGROUND Postpartum depression in the United States reported to be between 7 and 20%. Lower socioeconomic status increases the risk of postpartum depression, and high levels of stress due to financial concerns and lack of resources may worsen depressive symptoms. Causes of disorder: Women often ascribed depressive symptoms are caused by overwhelming demands of infant care along with loneliness and isolation at home with children. Negative attitudes and perceptions of stigma impairs person’s ability to seek professional assistance. Guy, S., Sterling, B. S., Walker, L. O., & Harrison, T. C. (2014). Mental health literacy and postpartum depression: A qualitative description of views of lower income women. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 28,

MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY Defined by Institute of Medicine (IOM) as: “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.” Linked to improve health outcomes and lower health care costs. In order to improve mental health literacy, effort has been made to convey the knowledge of the general public to identify, prevent, and treat common physical disorders. Research on mental health literacy within specific population has been limited. Guy, S., Sterling, B. S., Walker, L. O., & Harrison, T. C. (2014). Mental health literacy and postpartum depression: A qualitative description of views of lower income women. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 28,

TOPIC AND DETAILS OF STUDY Understand mental health literacy in lower income women postpartum. Women who share other participant’s knowledge and beliefs about recognizing postpartum depressive symptoms and seeking help. Recognizing and seeking help for symptoms of depression. 25 focus group participants 6 White, 9 African American, 10 Hispanic Median age= 24.3 years 10 participants have completed high school, 7 with some college credit Weight and psychosocial health longitude study. All participants received prenatal Medicaid care. 11 reported annual family income of less than $15,000. More than half were married.

FINDINGS OF STUDY Guy, S., Sterling, B. S., Walker, L. O., & Harrison, T. C. (2014). Mental health literacy and postpartum depression: A qualitative description of views of lower income women. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 28, Women recognized behavioral changes indicating mental distress, either by self or redirection from others. Explained symptoms caused by traumatic life events triggered by stressors, such as negative economic conditions. Fear prevented women from seeking professional and routine help. Some resorted to engaging in risky behavior, such as drinking alcohol and smoking. Formal educational processes for gaining knowledge of mental disorders were not evident.

FINDINGS OF STUDY Professional help that women identified were counselors, therapists, psychiatrists, obstetricians, and emergency room doctors. Preferred professional help were obstetricians as rapport was established throughout pregnancy. Women discussed their desire for more information about postpartum depression from health care providers, such as early detection. Information about mental disorders was provided by family members and past exposure. Social supports were seen as effective. Guy, S., Sterling, B. S., Walker, L. O., & Harrison, T. C. (2014). Mental health literacy and postpartum depression: A qualitative description of views of lower income women. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 28,

IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE & OTHER DISCIPLINES Guy, S., Sterling, B. S., Walker, L. O., & Harrison, T. C. (2014). Mental health literacy and postpartum depression: A qualitative description of views of lower income women. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 28, Guide for social workers, along with other disciplines, to identify women who may benefit from early intervention for postpartum depressive symptoms. Increase the mental health literacy and resources available for this specific population. Health care providers should provide women with guidance during pregnancy regarding evidence-based self-help practices that may ease suffering during postpartum period, such as physical activity. Educating women on the different services from various professional providers and services to expect. Lower income status has been shown to be a significant risk factor for nonuse of postpartum visit. Some women may miss opportunity to discuss postpartum depressive symptoms with obstetric provider. Provide on-site mental health services, such as psychiatric nurse practitioners.

CONCLUSIONS AND ANALYZING TOPIC Guy, S., Sterling, B. S., Walker, L. O., & Harrison, T. C. (2014). Mental health literacy and postpartum depression: A qualitative description of views of lower income women. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 28, Understanding of knowledge and beliefs about postpartum depression within the framework of mental health literacy in lower income postpartum women. Essential to improve mental health care of new mothers. Participants did not have adequate levels of mental health literacy required to meet their own mental health needs during postpartum period. Interventions developed to enhance the mental health literacy of new mothers will be a critical role in improving their mental health status. Study served as an effective guide for professionals serving women in high- risk populations who would benefit from education, increased surveillance, and early intervention for postpartum depressive symptoms.

QUESTIONS? End.