Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
Al-Balqaʼ Applied University, Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II Academy for Civil Protection, Amman-Jordan
2
Faculty of Nursing, Irbid National University, Irbid-Jordan
3
Faculty of Nursing, Applied Sciences University, Amman- Jordan
4
Kettering Hospital Practice, Ohio-USA
5
Obstetric & Maternity Residency Program, Jordanian Royal Medical Services, Military King Talal Hospital, Mafraq-Jordan.
6
Mental health Medic, Wilson Medic One, 190 Abernethy Rd, Belmont WA Australia
Abstract
Background & aims: Childbirth sometimes arouses intense emotional and psychosocial distress among the mothers, known as postpartum depression, reducing quality of life and health outcomes for mothers and their newborns. However, little is understood about the lived experience of women living in rural settings with this condition. This study explores the lived experiences of women with postpartum depression in the rural parts of Jordan.
Methods: Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were held with 12 women residing in rural Jordan focusing on three dimensions of postpartum depression: mental and psychological impacts, effects on daily life, and coping/support strategies. Data was audio-recorded, and analyzed using content analysis technique.
Results: Three overarching themes were identified, with various subthemes, as follows. (A) “Emotional and Psychosocial Status”: (A.1) sadness and emotional instability, (A.2) fear and anxiety, and (A.3) loss of identity. (B) “Effects on Daily Life”: (B.1) disrupted sleep and persistent fatigue, (B.2) disrupted relationship with partner, and (B.3) social withdrawal. (C) “Coping and Support”: (C.1) support from partner, family and friends, (C.2) poor understanding by society, (C.3) professional healthcare support and therapy, (C.4) spirituality and religion, and (C.5) stigma and fear of seeking conventional support.
Conclusion: Postpartum depression inflicts negative psychosocial implications among the Jordanian women, and despite the available coping mechanisms, such as social support and spirituality, there is still evidence that societal stigma and a lack of understanding often hindered effective help-seeking.
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