How Does Socio-Economic Status Impact Postpartum Depression Across Different Cultures?

Abstract

This desk study involved a narrative review of academic literature pertaining to postpartum depression (PPD) and Socio-economic status (SES) in HIC and LMIC countries. A systematic approach was taken to select and analyse the 20 studies included in this study. The evidence indicates that certain factors related to socio-economic status were predictors of higher prevalence and greater severity of PPD. Low income (and related variables such as unemployment and low economic status) was found to the most widely documented factor increasing prevalence and severity of PPD in diverse contexts, followed by low education, being unmarried and strained relationships with one’s partner, family or in-laws. Support resources such as having a supportive partner were found to buffer the onset and severity of PPD, while certain factors related to culture were found to heighten vulnerability to developing PPD and to prolonged depression that may become life threatening for mother and child. These factors related to culture- such as traditional postnatal practices relating to forced confinement, relational systems (relationships with in-laws) and gender norms need to be better within the maternal child healthcare sector in order to improve rapid diagnosis and support for mothers from varying cultural backgrounds. This is particularly relevant in the UK where pregnant women and new mothers from diverse, non-English speaking backgrounds face significant barriers to accessing information on PPD and support services, and where the role of culture in influencing PPD prevalence and well-being outcomes is poorly understood in the healthcare system.