Rural Women’s Explanatory Models of Postpartum Depressive Symptomatology

Authors

  • Elizabeth Mollard University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing
  • Diane Brage Hudson University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, Lincoln Division
  • Susan Wilhelm University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, Western Division
  • Paul R. Springer University of Nebraska- Lincoln
  • Carol Pullen University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, Omaha Division

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v17i1.437

Abstract

Purpose: To construct explanatory models of postpartum depressive symptomatology (PPDS) from the perspective of rural women and to compare these models to the traditional medical model.
Sample: Purposive sample of 20 rural women from one Midwestern state who self-identified as having had PPDS in the past year.
Methods: This qualitative descriptive study was informed by Kleinman’s (1980) explanatory model of illness and used a semi-structured interview guide. Telephone interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis included content analysis within the categories of Kleinman’s (1980) explanatory model.
Findings: Rural women were more likely to attribute their PPDS to nonphysiological causes than physiological causes. Rural women reported the onset, duration, and symptomatology of PPDS were similar to what is outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Women considered the effects of PPDS to be far-reaching and serious. Rural women in this study preferred a variety of often nonpharmacological treatment options and care from informal networks to that available from health care providers. Although the rural women in this study did not believe PPDS could be prevented, they believed women could better prepare themselves for PPDS by having a support system in place and by planning for practical life concerns.
Conclusions: Nurses and other health care providers and researchers should consider rural women's explanatory models of PPDS when considering interventions and program development for women in rural communities.

Keywords: Postpartum depression, Postnatal Depression, Qualitative, Maternal depression, depressive symptoms, Rural Nursing Theory

DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v17i1.437   

Author Biographies

  • Elizabeth Mollard, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing

    PhD, APRN-NP, IBCLC

    Assistant Professor

  • Diane Brage Hudson, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, Lincoln Division

    RN, PhD  

    Associate Professor

  • Susan Wilhelm, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, Western Division

    PhD, RN-C 

    Assistant Professor

  • Paul R. Springer, University of Nebraska- Lincoln

    PhD  

    Associate Professor

  • Carol Pullen, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, Omaha Division

    EdD, RN 

     Professor

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Published

2017-03-18

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 1 (2017)

Section

Articles

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