Exploring perceived factors of nurse midwives regarding postpartum depression in Quthing hospital, Lesotho

Abstract

Background: Despite the increasing awareness of Postpartum Depression (PPD) worldwide, health providers continue to ignore the impact of PPD on the mother and child during the postnatal period. Nurse-midwives are the first care providers and have contact with women during pregnancy and after birth. They must be able to identify women at risk and those who already have PPD and educate women and their relatives about PPD and risk factors. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore perceived factors of nurse midwives regarding PPD in Quthing District. Methodology: This study used a qualitative, descriptive, explorative, and contextual design. Data collection was conducted through individual interviews and data saturation was reached on the ninth participant. An audio - recorder was used to record interviews from purposefully selected participants. The study participants were nurse-midwives working at Quthing Hospital in the Quthing District. The data organization was done, followed by transcribing the audio data into text, and lastly thematic data analysis. Results: Thematic analysis of the data resulted in themes and sub-themes. The six themes which emerged from the study findings are empowerment, stigma, screening /assessment of PPD, family support, lack of resources and home visits. Participants had different perceived factors regarding PPD at Quthing District.

Conclusion: The nurses-midwives’ perceived factors regarding PPD were expressions of empowerment, stigma, screening /assessment of PPD, family support, lack of resources and home visits. The research findings have significant implications for decision-makers and policymakers to solve problems in maternal mental health service provision. Nurse-midwives perceived that they could be better supported to carry out their important work by having access to continued education, training, and mentorship regarding PPD.