Grant: Knowledge Synthesis Grant

Canada is a first choice destination for immigrants many of whom may not be fully fluent in either of Canada's official languages French or English. Evidence tells us that immigrant women may be vulnerable to health and health care access inequities especially during the maternity period. Their higher prevalence of postpartum depression is of concern and this narrative synthesis review aims to increase understanding of the influencing factors and the ways in which the healthcare system might better support immigrant women to reduce the prevalence and improve outcomes with respect to postpartum depression. Research literature from more than the past two decades will be identified and reviewed in a comprehensive manner to effectively generate better understandings and recommendations for influencing policy and practice. The findings will shared with multiple audiences in order to effectively allow for application of the knowledge into many sectors. The research team includes three academics with experience in the systematic review methodology and subject area, as well as partners involved in both community and hospital maternity care, and community and federal program development from Alberta Health Services, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and the Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative.