Newman, TC, Hirst, J orcid.org/0000-0001-7924-9383 and Darwin, Z orcid.org/0000-0001-8147-0669 (2019) What enables or prevents women with depressive symptoms seeking help in the postnatal period? British Journal of Midwifery, 27 (4). pp. 219-227. ISSN 0969-4900
Abstract
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.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | ©2019, MA Healthcare Limited. This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in British Journal of Midwifery, copyright © MA Healthcare, after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2019.27.4.219. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | postnatal depression; maternal mental health; perinatal mental health; help-seeking; systematic review |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Healthcare (Leeds) > Midwifery (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 11 Mar 2019 10:36 |
Last Modified: | 02 Oct 2019 00:40 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Mark Allen Healthcare |
Identification Number: | 10.12968/bjom.2019.27.4.219 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:143457 |