Hello I need a plagarism report by tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. attached is the paper

POI and Philosophical Underpinnings: The Phenomenon of Postpartum Depression in African American Women

Kayla Moore

College of Nursing: University of South Alabama

NU 607: Scientific Underpinnings of Advanced Nursing Practice

Jo Ann A. Otts, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP

September 24, 2024

Introduction

After giving birth, women enter the postpartum phase, which lasts until a year after the baby is born. This period can bring about feelings of sadness, fatigue, and anxiety, which are key signs of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can affect women from all backgrounds and ethnicities. However, in the African American community, mental health issues are often not openly discussed, leading many women to silently struggle with depression. This document will explore the occurrence of postpartum depression in African American women and the philosophical perspectives related to this phenomenon.

Phenomenon of Interest

The research is being conducted at Obstetrics/Gynecology clinics located in the south Jackson, Mississippi area, where observations are being carried out on postpartum African American patients attending their postpartum appointments and women scheduled for an annual exam the year after giving birth. As stated by the Mississippi Department of Health Services (2020), the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) was highest among women under 20 years of age, Black women, unmarried individuals, and those with less than a high school education; however, the variances were not statistically significant. Over the recent years, the healthcare system in the United States has recognized a growing number of African American women experiencing postpartum depression. Many healthcare providers are so burdened with their workload that they fail to recognize the signs of a mother struggling mentally. This could suggest that African American women's mental health is not given the same priority as that of other racial groups, or they are not provided with the necessary resources to reduce the risk factors associated with postpartum depression. Some healthcare professionals are unaware of the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the African American community, leading to many cases going undiagnosed (Gedzyk-Nieman, 2021). Some women may refrain from reporting depression symptoms due to fear of being stigmatized or lack of understanding that such symptoms are not part of a normal postpartum recovery process. There is a significant lack of knowledge in educating mothers about postpartum depression, particularly because they may not fully comprehend their current emotional state. Ongoing research aims to identify the root causes of postpartum depression. According to Beck (2023), all healthcare providers and policymakers must pay attention to the impact of economic and social stressors on postpartum depression among women of color. The insights gained from this observation can assist informatics nurse specialists (INSs) in developing a more comprehensive questionnaire or integrating resources tailored to this demographic of women.

Philosophical Viewpoints

The phenomenon of interest is approached from two different philosophical viewpoints. The first viewpoint, known as the analytical viewpoint, presents concrete evidence of the phenomenon, such as quantitative data, cause and effect relationships, and theories. Floyd James et al (2023) reported that 29–44% of Black women in the United States experience postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS). Despite the high percentage, only a few are properly diagnosed with postpartum depression and receive mental health services. Many women also have pre-existing mental health conditions that increase the risk of developing postpartum depression. Over 30% of new mothers with postpartum depression or anxiety had a depressive or mood disorder before pregnancy and delivery (Langdon M.D. et al., 2024).

This is my preferred approach. The second viewpoint, known as the continental viewpoint, is not based on concrete evidence but rather on qualitative data, aiming to understand the phenomenon through human interactions. Healthcare professionals who care for postpartum patients can witness the impact of postpartum depression on these patients. The transition to motherhood can be overwhelming for individuals. Postpartum depression is most prevalent in the first few months of the infant’s life due to numerous changes, especially for the mother. During this time, factors such as sleep deprivation, hormonal imbalances, new responsibilities, and marital issues can significantly affect the mother's mental health and contribute to postpartum depression. Addressing infant sleep is crucial for improving maternal mental health, as one-fifth of postpartum women are affected by PPD, and disrupted sleep has been linked to postnatal mood disorders (Osorio et al., 2023). In the African American community, many households are led by single women, adding extra stress for African American women as they take on the responsibility of caring for the new baby while dealing with past experiences and external pressures. Black women face higher risk factors for maternal mental health disorders due to higher levels of trauma exposure throughout their lives (Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, 2023).

The preferred philosophical viewpoint for me is the analytical viewpoint. This viewpoint supplies concrete evidence that supports the phenomenon of postpartum depression in the African American women population. There is numerical data that shows the high number of African American women who struggle with postpartum depression due to a pre-existing mental health ailment, traumatic life experiences, or outside social factors. The continental viewpoint is based on human experiences, however every person has different experiences. This can give varying perspectives that can cause the phenomenon to be inconclusive. This will not give concrete results when defining a phenomenon. The evidence from both the analytical and continental viewpoints can aid informatics nurse specialists in developing individualized questionnaires that cater to detecting warning signs of postpartum depression for women globally.

Ways of Knowing

When attempting to establish the philosophical foundation of any phenomenon, there are four fundamental ways of knowing: empirical, aesthetic, personal, and ethical. The empirical understanding of the phenomenon of postpartum depression in African American women involves interviewing mothers at the beginning of their postpartum journey. Healthcare professionals working with women of childbearing age are aware of the hormonal changes after childbirth that can contribute to postpartum depression. For instance, during the postpartum period, women may experience hair loss, acne, mood swings, and fatigue, which are all side effects of postpartum hormonal changes. Aesthetic understanding of postpartum depression in African American women led to the creation of a questionnaire with ten questions to help identify postpartum depression. However, it's important to note that the EPDS is a screening tool and not a diagnostic tool. It aims to identify women who may benefit from follow-up care, such as mental health assessment, which may then lead to a diagnosis based on accepted diagnostic criteria (Highet, 2023). There is a need for a personalized diagnostic tool specifically for diagnosing postpartum depression, and once developed, it should be prioritized for use with African American women. Personal understanding of postpartum depression in African American women involves making it a priority for nurses from all backgrounds to build good rapport with their patients and educate them about the warning signs of postpartum depression. Emphasizing that it's okay to seek medical attention for their mental health is crucial. The ethical understanding of postpartum depression involves ensuring that all patients are treated equally. This will help rebuild a positive relationship between healthcare and the African American community. African Americans have a history of not trusting healthcare professionals, and there is a stigma associated with mental health. This makes postpartum moms less likely to seek help. Building a positive rapport and educating the patients can have a positive impact on the entire phenomenon.

Conclusion

After conducting research, it is evident that both environmental and biological factors play a significant role in shaping the fundamental basis of postpartum depression among African American women. Addressing these factors can greatly enhance the postpartum period for African American women. Despite the unknown origins of the disorder, there are methods available for identifying and diagnosing affected individuals. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to recognize the significance of comprehending the underlying factors contributing to postpartum depression in women, and to carefully monitor the demographic to prevent cases from going unnoticed.

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Langdon M.D., K. (2024, April 2). Postpartum depression statistics: Research and data on PPD

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