South African Indian Women Screened for Postpartum Depression: A Multiple Case Study of Postpartum Experiences

Abstract

Postpartum depression is a debilitating condition with negative psychosocial implications. Given a dearth of literature on prevalence or experiences of postpartum depression in South Africa, we sought to understand the experiences of South African Indian women screened for postpartum depressive symptoms. Ten low-income women screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at primary health care clinics at two locations in KwaZulu-Natal were interviewed, using a multiple case study qualitative method, to understand their experiences within a biopsychosocial framework. The data were analysed thematically with the assistance of NVivo 8. In line with other studies on postpartum depression, the study revealed that interpersonal issues, abusive relationships, economic hardships, and a lack of adequate social support precipitated or aggravated depressive feelings in the postpartum period.