Grant: Operating Grant

Many mothers from diverse cultures experience postpartum depression (PPD), a serious form of maternal morbidity with well-documented health consequences for the mother, child, and family. While the cause of PPD remains unclear, recent research suggests recent immigrant status is an important predictor. The purpose of this longitudinal study is three-fold: (1) to determine the prevalence of PPD, when it started, and whether the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a good way to assess for PPD among recent immigrant Chinese mothers; (2) to examine the relationships between recent immigrant status, PPD, acculturation, acculturative stress, social support, income, and the practice of traditional postpartum rituals; and (3) to determine patterns of PPD help-seeking behaviours and barriers to health services among recent immigrant Chinese mothers. Following a comprehensive recruitment program, eligible and consenting mothers will receive follow-up calls by trained research assistants matched on maternal language ability. Diverse study outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 12, 24, and 52 weeks postpartum. The study results will make substantive contributions in seven areas: (1) provide information about PPD prevalence rates among recently immigrated and Canadian-born Chinese women; (2) establish the validity of using the EPDS in detecting PPD among these Chinese mothers; (3) advance our understanding of the relationship between recent immigrant status, the acculturation process, and PPD; (4) determine which traditional postpartum rituals are maintained post-migration and the effect of these practices on the development of PPD; (5) investigate health service utilization barriers and help-seeking behaviours related to PPD; (6) promote cultural sensitivity among health professionals; and (7) guide the development of a future randomized controlled trial.