Culturally determined risk factors for postnatal depression in Sub-Saharan Africa: A mixed method systematic review

Anja Wittkowski, Philippa L. Gardner, Penny Bunton, Dawn Edge

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Background Research suggests that African women experience postnatal depression (PND) at a similar rate to that reported in developed countries. If PND is to be better understood in African populations, its risk factors need to be reliably identified. Studies in the developing world have found that risk factors are often culturally determined. This review aimed at improving our understanding of the culturally determined risk factors of PND within Sub-Saharan Africa by integrating evidence from quantitative and qualitative studies. Methods A mixed-method systematic review was employed. Nine quantitative and three qualitative studies were quality assessed, synthesised, and integrated. Results Quantitative studies indicated that stressful life events, cultural values and the African extended family system have an influential role in women′s experience of PND. Qualitative studies described the impact of negative cultural perceptions of others and adhering to cultural traditions and values as contributing to the development and maintenance of PND. Limitations The small number of studies is a limitation within the available body of research. Search strategies only included English language articles. Conclusions Although some risk factors for postnatal depression were similar to those identified in studies in developed countries, important differences exist; most notably the influence of traditional African value systems, customs and antenatal exposure to extreme societal stress. The findings of this review are especially important for the development of a predictive model for PND within Sub-Saharan Africa and when working with migrant Sub-Saharan African mothers. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)115-124
    Number of pages9
    JournalJournal of Affective Disorders
    Volume163
    Early online date28 Dec 2013
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014

    Keywords

    • Africa
    • Cross-cultural
    • Postnatal depression
    • Postpartum depression
    • Review
    • Risk factors

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Culturally determined risk factors for postnatal depression in Sub-Saharan Africa: A mixed method systematic review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this