Healing Through Dialogue: Exploring Culturally Sensitive Physician-Patient Communication in Urban and Peri-urban Minna, Nigeria, for Addressing Postpartum Depression

Abstract

The research was on physician-patient communication. Specifically, the study investigated the communication relationship between physicians and mothers experiencing postpartum depression (PPD) in urban and peri-urban areas of Minna, Nigeria. The study aimed to understand the nature of communication strategies used by physicians, their effectiveness in aiding recovery, and the challenges hindering effective communication. The study fills a research niche on how different forms of communication with patients influence the recovery of postpartum depressed mothers in Minna, Nigeria, and how healthcare professionals may need to promote culture-sensitive communication. The study was anchored on the patient-centered care model. In-depth interviews (IDI) and focus group discussions (FGD) were adopted as the primary research methods. The study had a total of 204 respondents, 196 nulliparous, primiparous, and multiparous women with PPD for FGD, and 8 medical experts for in-depth interviews. Findings showed that empathy and informal interactions were used as mothers responded positively to physicians who addressed them with a smile, concern, and active listening. Further findings revealed that effective communication led to better outcomes. Participants felt that open-ended questions, patient involvement in treatment plans, and emotional expressions encouraged by physicians led to improved well-being. The basis for the measurement of effective communication for improved health outcomes was measured through self-reported improvements from the mother. Also, cultural sensitivity, utilisation of interpreters, and readily available information resources in hospitals were identified as crucial for addressing communication and cultural barriers. The researcher concluded that physician communication style significantly impacts PPD recovery and, therefore, recommended that healthcare institutions should create supportive environments and train professionals in cultural sensitivity. Dedicated resources like information desks and support groups can empower mothers with PPD. The implications of the study highlight the importance of communication in PPD treatment and suggest actionable strategies for healthcare institutions to improve their interaction with mothers experiencing this critical mental health condition in Minna and similar settings.