Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40200223›Full record

ArticleBMC pregnancy and childbirth2025

Postpartum depression: perception, management, and help-seeking barriers in a Palestinian context: a qualitative study.

Batoul Mattar, Yasmeen Wahdan, Maysaa Nemer, Niveen M E Abu-Rmeileh

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

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0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Batoul MattarInstitute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, West Bank, Occupied Palestinian Territory, P.O.Box 14, Ramallah, Palestine. batoulmattar@gmail.com.
Yasmeen WahdanInstitute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, West Bank, Occupied Palestinian Territory, P.O.Box 14, Ramallah, Palestine.
Maysaa NemerInstitute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, West Bank, Occupied Palestinian Territory, P.O.Box 14, Ramallah, Palestine.
Niveen M E Abu-RmeilehInstitute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, West Bank, Occupied Palestinian Territory, P.O.Box 14, Ramallah, Palestine.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) is a global concern that adversely affects the well-being of mothers, their children, and their families. It is particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, where limited research has been conducted. This study aimed to examine the perspectives of mothers regarding PPD and identify their health-seeking behaviors and barriers in a Palestinian context.

methodsThis study utilized a qualitative approach involving three focus group discussions (FGDs), with a total of 17 mothers in three different regions of the Bethlehem governorate, Palestine. A phenomenological orientation was used to explore the participants' experiences. 

resultsRegarding mothers' perceptions of PPD, not all mothers perceived PPD as a mental disorder; some considered it a result of envy. Risk factors for PPD include a lack of practical and emotional support from the extended family and husband, an unpleasant childbirth experience, or a lack of preparation for motherhood. Seeking help from family members was the first option for all participants; sometimes, it was the only method they considered. The extended family may have control over the decision-making process for help-seeking behavior. Mothers may not seek professional help to avoid acknowledgment of their condition or due to shyness, fear of negative reactions from others, lack of personal free time, family misperceptions of PPD, and the underestimation of psychological therapy. However, when mothers seek help, they prefer venting sessions that include receiving advice, and they refuse to take psychotropic medication.

conclusionIn Palestine, PPD is often misunderstood and poses a significant barrier to seeking professional treatment. Addressing this challenge demands a holistic approach extending beyond mere medical interventions, given the complex social and cultural circumstances confronting Palestinian mothers. Vital steps include implementing regular PPD screenings, establishing a culturally suitable referral system, and actively combating the societal stigma surrounding mental health disorders.

Indexed as

ArabsDepression, PostpartumHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHelp-Seeking BehaviorMothersPatient Acceptance of Health CareAdultFemaleFocus GroupsHumansMiddle EastPregnancyQualitative ResearchRisk FactorsSocial SupportYoung AdultBarriersCultural contextHelp-seeking behaviorsMothers' perceptionPostpartum depressionRisk factorsStigma

Identifiers

PMID40200223
PMCPMC11980085

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.