Black with 'Baby Blues': A Systematic Scoping Review of Programs to Address Postpartum Depression in African American Women

Overview

Journal Matern Child Health J

Specialty Health Services

Date 2023 Feb 2

PMID 36729324

Authors

Keilondria Robertson

Rebecca Wells

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective:  The literature review reports on programs and interventions that address postpartum depression (PPD) in African American women. African American women are at a higher risk of developing PPD compared to white women. The review will highlight and recommend approaches that may render positive outcomes in the future for this population.

Methods:  A systematic scoping literature review was conducted using Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, APA PsycArticles, APA PsychInfo, PubMed, Social Services Abstracts, and Social Work Abstracts. Keywords used in the search included "postpartum depression," "African American," and "interventions OR programs OR therapy OR treatment." Fourteen studies were selected, analyzed, and included in the review.

Results: Group psychosocial, individual psychosocial, internet-based, and integrated care interventions were included. While many articles noted within group changes in depression symptoms, fewer studies documented between group differences. Studies that investigated subsamples of "high risk" participants or those that used "culturally tailored" approaches showed promise.

Conclusion: The literature review yielded some examples of programs/interventions that target postpartum depression in African American women; however, results were mixed. More research is needed to confirm the most effective interventions to address postpartum depression in African American women.

Citing Articles

"A Judgment-Free Zone": Adaptation and Pilot Study of a Virtual Wellness Group for African American Mothers with Young Children.

Brooks K, Charlot-Swilley D, Robertson H, Bodrick N, Danielson A, Genovez M Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024; 21(4).

PMID: 38673302 PMC: 11049826. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040390.

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