Jean Marie Place

Conceptualizations of Postpartum Depression by Public-Sector Health Care Providers in Mexico:

In this article we describe the knowledge frameworks that 61 physicians, nurses, social workers, and psychologists from five public-sector health care facilities in Mexico used to conceptualize postpartum depression. We also demonstrate how providers applied social and behavioral antecedents in their conceptualizations of postpartum depression. Using grounded theory, we identify two frameworks that providers used to conceptualize postpartum depression: biochemical and adjustment. We highlight an emerging model of the function of social and behavioral antecedents within the frameworks, as well as the representation of postpartum depression by symptoms of distress and the perception among providers that these symptoms affected responsibilities associated with motherhood. The results provide a foundation for future study of how providers’ conceptualizations of postpartum depression might affect detection and treatment practices and might be useful in the development of training materials to enhance the quality of care for women who experience any form of distress in the postpartum period.

Policy for Promotion of Women’s Mental Health: Insight from Analysis of Policy on Postnatal Depression in Mexico

This article critically examines federal, state and facility-level policies, as well as clinical practice guidelines regarding postnatal depression in Mexico. Thirteen documents including national health plans, national action plans, federal and state laws and regulations, clinical practice guidelines, and public-sector healthcare facility policies were collected and evaluated according to whether they included a statement of intent and/or actions related to the care of women at risk for or experiencing postnatal depression. While postnatal depression is included in several policies in Mexico, it is not addressed in ways that guide actions to manage postnatal depression. Specific direction on postnatal depression in policies would bridge a gap in maternal mental healthcare given that medication, treatment, and timing of interventions is unique in the postpartum context.

Is Infertility as Visible as It Needs to be Given Its Importance to Women’s Health? Results from a Review of Women’s Health Journals

Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system. It has profound social, economic, psychological, and physical consequences, particularly for women. Given the persistence of preventable or untreated infertility, we assessed the level of attention womens health journals have given to infertility-related concerns. We found a minimal number of articles on infertility in the past 15 years of four womens health scientific journals. We encourage more submissions and subsequent publications on infertility to womens health journals in order to enhance the ability of health educators and womens healthcare providers to promote knowledge and advance awareness of this public health issue.

Failure after fertility treatment: regulation strategies when facing a blocked parenthood goal

Abstract Biological parenthood is a central life-goal for many couples that can become blocked when they experience infertility. Many couples who undergo fertility treatment will face failure and consequently have to decide whether to continue with treatment. The present study used the qualitative methodology of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to examine self-regulatory approaches that underlie decision-making about continuing treatment. One-time, one-on-one, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 individuals (eight heterosexual couples) after they had experienced at least one treatment failure and were considering whether to undergo another treatment. After treatment failure, individuals used several approaches to remain engaged with biological parenthood, including reframing treatment failure as a learning tool and emphasizing the importance of persistence in achieving success. The apparent decision to continue with treatment was considered non-negotiable and largely made by women in the partnership. Once the decision was made to pursue treatment, it was not discussed further. Given individuals’ willingness to engage in treatment, patients should be offered additional support to consider wide psychosocial implications of continuing treatment.

Exploring Infertility from the Cultural Context of Latino College Students: Results from a Preliminary Focus Group

Despite a racial/ethnic disparity, little research has examined minority group perceptions of infertility. After developing a 15-question English-language focus group guide, 13 Latino college students (ages 19–22) at a Midwestern university were recruited to participate in a focus group to discuss their perceptions of infertility in the context of their family and culture. The focus group was audio recorded, professionally transcribed, and analyzed according to the constructed Grounded Theory approach. Three major themes were identified: 1) infertility is not considered when looking towards the future; 2) infertility is not discussed due to shame; and 3) infertility does not require a medical resolution. College students have the opportunity to make lifestyle modifications that can optimize fertility, but intention to change behavior is contingent on accurate fertility knowledge, which is often influenced by cultural norms. Our results suggest that these Latino students do not consider infertility a risk in their future lives nor is infertility something they consider should be explicitly discussed. Importantly, they do not perceive the need for medical interventions when addressing infertility, which carries implications for treatment seeking. When creating educational interventions for infertility, it is important to take into account the cultural lens through which infertility is understood.