Experiences and Perceptions of Perinatal Depression Among New Immigrant Chinese Parents: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

\n Background: Immigrant status, acculturation level, race and ethnicity have been found to contribute to the utilization of mental health services in the perinatal period. This study explored perinatal experiences and perceptions among Chinese immigrant mothers and their spouses, as well as the possible barriers and facilitators that affect their health care utilization.Methods: We recruited 13 women ages 18-35 years born in mainland China, living in Rochester, New York, and residing less than five years in the United States, whose primary language was Mandarin Chinese and who had given birth to at least one live infant within the past seven years. Participants’ age was at least 18 years old at the time of delivery. Five spouses also participated. We divided women in two focus groups and held one for men, with data collection including questionnaires and semi-structured focus group interviews conducted in December 2014. Data were analyzed following thematic analysis.Results: Four themes emerged: experiences of perinatal depression; perceptions of perinatal depression; general preventive and coping strategies; and attitude towards mobile health in perinatal period. Participants had limited knowledge of perinatal depression and had difficulty distinguishing between normal perinatal mood fluctuations and more severe symptoms of depression. They discussed immigrant-related stress，conflicts with parents/in-laws while “doing the month”, the perceived gap between the ideal of “perfect moms” and reality, and challenges with parenting as the causes of perinatal depression. Women approved of screening for the condition but were conservative about follow-up interventions. As for the management of perinatal depression, participants preferred to deal with the problem within the family before seeking external help due to potential stigma as well as Chinese traditional culture. However, they were receptive to using mobile health applications to receive information and support.Conclusion: Recent immigrant Chinese parents to the United States had limited knowledge of perinatal depression and did not make full use of mental health services for support due to language and cultural barriers. Future research should explore what interventions may serve as an acceptable approach to overcoming these gaps.Trial registration: Not applicable.