The experience of postnatal depression in West African mothers living in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objectiveto explore the lived experience of postnatal depression (PND) in West African mothers living in the United Kingdom (UK). Designusing a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were undertaken. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to explore and analyse the data. Settingcommunity health services within inner-city suburbs in Manchester, England. Participantssix West African mothers (Nigeria=3; Ghana=3), who were experiencing low mood in the postnatal period. Findingsfive overarching themes emerged: (1) conceptualising PND, (2) isolation, (3) loss of identity, (4) issues of trust and (5) relationships as a protective factor. Women exhibited symptoms of PND but did not regard it as an illness. In their view, postnatal depression and distress resulted from social stress. Participants stated that their cultural background made it difficult to disclose feelings of depression thus adversely influencing their help-seeking behaviour. Key conclusionsthis is the first study to investigate the experiences of West African mothers with PND who live in the UK, and how they perceive and make sense of their experiences. The themes generated add to the body of existing research on PND in Black and ethnic minority populations and offer insight into the lived experience of West African women residing in England. Such insights are vital in order to deliver effective, culturally sensitive care. Implications for practicethese findings have implications on how services should be designed to increase their accessibility to African women, by using a community psychology approach alongside systemic and group interventions. Challenges to help seeking and language used to describe experiences are considered.