Latina Immigrants’ Cultural Beliefs About Postpartum Depression:

It is estimated that U.S. Latinas have a higher risk of developing postpartum depression (PPD) than the general population, with even higher risk among immigrant Latinas. We conducted three focus groups with immigrants from Mexico and Central America (19) inquiring about cultural messages regarding PPD. Groups were conducted in Spanish, and thematic analysis was used to uncover themes. Themes are presented within three categories: views of PPD, cultural messages and beliefs that prevent treatment seeking, and suggestions to promote treatment seeking. Community and family-led efforts to decrease stigma and normalize PPD are suggested.