Diss wk 1

Prospectus

Postpartum Depression among Nigerian Igbo Women

Problem Statement

This research will explore how Nigerian Igbo women experience postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a serious mental health issue that affects women irrespective of age, race or ethnicity. Although there has been an influx of postpartum depression literature, few studies employ a sociological perspective, such as parity, pattern of deliveries and even fewer focuses on Nigerian Igbo women. The increasing rate in addition to poor clinical diagnosis is attributable to poor health care services and inadequate medical attention. The implication is the high morbidity with adverse social and medical consequences. It is, however, important to understand the risk factors to develop preventive intervention strategies. This study will provide a theoretical framework of fragmented identity to explain socio-cultural factors contributing to postpartum depression among Nigerian Igbo mothers.

Purpose

This study focuses on the socio-cultural experiences of depressed Nigerian Igbo women found that stigmatization and the lack of accurate postpartum depression information prevented them from seeking mental health care. The narratives compare self-reported depressed Nigerian Igbo women to understand the complexities of barriers, beliefs, traditional healing systems; and views of depression. The following are goals of this study: (1) to identify cultural and age specific postpartum depressive symptoms, which could apply to various race/ethnic groups; (2) to identify the lack of detection of Nigerian Igbo postpartum depression by mainstream medicine, and thus increase awareness of Nigerian Igbo postpartum depression; (3) to suggest culture specific postpartum behavioral interventions and (4) to explore the consequence of postpartum depression in regards to breastfeeding and mothers’ perceptions of their babies.

Significance

This research is important and significant because Nigerian Igbo tribe comprises a large portion of the lower socioeconomic class; they experience high levels of stress, which has been linked to anxiety and depression. Nigerian Igbo mothers, compared to other ethnic, tribe and racial groups, have higher fertility rates. As a result, they are at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression (compare other tribes). However, few studies have examined the postpartum experiences of racial/ethnic women. Moreover, fewer studies have explored Nigerian Igbo women beliefs and perceptions, symptom experience, and postpartum help-seeking behavior. Research has suggested, however, a link between level of acculturation and depression among Nigerian Igbo women. Thus, the need to further explore postpartum depression among Nigerian Igbo women is crucial. This research is unique because it considers the overall experiences of Nigerian Igbo mothers, which is imperative to understanding the overall quality of maternal health. The study seeks to understand Nigerian Igbo women postpartum depressive experiences, which may be applied to other racial/ethnic groups.

Background

Selected articles relating to postpartum depression are described here:

1. Brown, 2007, Record et al,2007 and Wei et al ,2008 provides information on race ethnic inequality and psychological distress.

2. Buist et al, 2007 and Haynes, 2007 offered explanations on the issues that associated with postpartum depression.

3. Hanna et al, 2008 and Pognanmy & Petersen, 2007 described the methods of screening for depression during postpartum period.

4. Katjia, 2008 provided information on the types of misery that women undergo in motherhood.

5. Sieger & Renk, 2007 offered information on the ethnic identity, emotional and behavioral functioning child characteristics and social support.

6. Surkan et al,2006 provided information on social networks and support in postpartum women’s depression.

Framework

Postpartum depression, as a social phenomenon, is virtually absent from the literature. Very few studies examine mental health as it relates to motherhood, culture, gender and age. To accurately understand postpartum depression it is first necessary to consider the experiences of depressed Nigerian Igbo adult mothers. Specifically, this study will delve into pregnancy and motherhood while also considering the socio-cultural explanations of depression including its relationship to and perpetuation of socially constructed myths of motherhood. Pregnancy and motherhood wil be explored within the context of the Nigerian Igbo culture and mothers. Consequence of untreated postpartum depression and its impact on the mother, baby and family will also be investigated. While previous studies have examined socio-cultural aspects of mental health few have been applied to postpartum depression thus a significant gap in the literature remains. The relationship between society, culture and postpartum depression will be examined throughout this dissertation. Focusing on the unique experiences of self-reported depressed Nigerian Igbo mothers will contribute to the postpartum literature while also suggesting cultural interventions necessary to treatment.

Qualitative Research Questions

• How does the transition into motherhood shape the everyday experiences of s elf-reported depressed Nigerian Igbo adolescent and adult mothers?

• How can the mental health of self-reported depressed Nigerian Igbo adolescent and adult mothers be understood within a socio-cultural context?

• How does the pregnancy experience influence motherhood among self-reported depressed Nigerian Igbo adolescent and adult mothers?

Nature of the Study

The nature of the study will be qualitative focus. Qualitative research examines the different ways in which Nigerian Igbo mothers experience depression during the postpartum period while discovering specific socio-cultural meanings attached to pregnancy, motherhood and depression. Fewer studies have focused on Nigerian Igbo mothers. Therefore, this research assists in bridging the knowledge gap by exploring stressors of Nigerian Igbo teenage mothers.

Possible Types and Sources of Information or Data

A Qualitative method study will be implemented utilizing separate samples, both from the same underlying population – self reported depressed Nigerian Igbo mothers. It will explores how the pregnancy, motherhood and depression experience shape the social identities of self-reported Nigerian Igbo mothers; also examine consequences of untreated postpartum depression, specifically breastfeeding behavior and perceptions of the physical health of the child.

. In-depth interviews serves as the primary method of data collection, while a secondary data analysis supplements the qualitative findings. Data collection through in-depth interviews of focus groups- depressed Nigerian Igbo mothers.

The qualitative study consists of different semi-structured in-depth interviews, participants will be interviewed twice and the in-depth interviews lasting approximately one hour.

Each interview will be audio recorded and transcribed; the tapes stored in a private location for the duration of the study. No reveal of identifying information to anyone other than the researcher. Three interview transcriptions contracted out, while I transcribed the remainder.

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