TY - JOUR
T1 - What enables or prevents women with depressive symptoms seeking help in the postnatal period?
AU - Newman, Tabitha Claire
AU - Hirst, Janet
AU - Darwin, Zoe
PY - 2019/4/2
Y1 - 2019/4/2
N2 - Background Perinatal mental health problems affect approximately 20% of women.The most common condition is postnatal depression; however, many women do not seek help. Aims To identify and synthesise evidence on factors that enable or prevent help-seeking in women with depressive symptoms in the postnatal period. Methods A qualitative systematic review was conducted using electronic databases and pre-determined eligibility criteria. Findings Thematic synthesis of the included studies (n=4) identified the following themes: the influence of healthcare services, the influence of others and the influence of women themselves. Help-seeking was shaped by women's ability to recognise their symptoms, the reactions (experienced or anticipated) of others and the organisation of services. Conclusion An improved interface between maternity and mental health services and enhanced health professional interactions are needed. However, meaningful change may require empowering women's self-assessment and public health messages to improve understanding of postnatal depression.
AB - Background Perinatal mental health problems affect approximately 20% of women.The most common condition is postnatal depression; however, many women do not seek help. Aims To identify and synthesise evidence on factors that enable or prevent help-seeking in women with depressive symptoms in the postnatal period. Methods A qualitative systematic review was conducted using electronic databases and pre-determined eligibility criteria. Findings Thematic synthesis of the included studies (n=4) identified the following themes: the influence of healthcare services, the influence of others and the influence of women themselves. Help-seeking was shaped by women's ability to recognise their symptoms, the reactions (experienced or anticipated) of others and the organisation of services. Conclusion An improved interface between maternity and mental health services and enhanced health professional interactions are needed. However, meaningful change may require empowering women's self-assessment and public health messages to improve understanding of postnatal depression.
KW - Help-seeking
KW - Maternal mental health
KW - Perinatal mental health
KW - Postnatal depression
KW - Systematic review
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85063911628&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.12968/bjom.2019.27.4.219
DO - 10.12968/bjom.2019.27.4.219
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:85063911628
VL - 27
SP - 219
EP - 227
JO - British Journal of Midwifery
JF - British Journal of Midwifery
SN - 0969-4900
IS - 4
ER -