Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of postpartum depression among Hispanic immigrant women seeking healthcare services at a community health clinic.

Data Sources: Hispanic immigrant women were recruited. Out of 116 study participants, 96 women were in the final sample. Using the Beck PDSS-Spanish version, women were screened for symptoms of postpartum depression.

Conclusions: The prevalence rate of significant symptoms of PPD was 54.2% for the entire sample of 96 women. Nearly 66% of women who screened positive for symptoms of PPD scored above the listed cutoff score for suicidal thoughts. Women were divided into four postpartum age groups from 2 to 48 weeks; prevalence rates of symptoms of PPD ranged from 50% to 60.9% among the different groups. There were no statistically significant demographic predictors for PPD.

Implications for Practice: Given the high rates of symptoms of PPD in this population, it is strongly recommended healthcare providers implement universal screening for all Hispanic women in pregnancy and across the first postpartum year to ensure prompt diagnosis and culturally appropriate treatment. Further research is needed to assess the cultural components of postpartum depression and to determine if the prevalence is consistent in other community settings.

Degree

College and Department

Nursing; Nursing

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