Racial and Ethnic Inequities In Postpartum Depressive Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Care in 7 US Jurisdictions

This study examines racial and ethnic inequalities in postpartum depression and perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) diagnoses and care. Past studies have revealed large differences in the rates at which people express symptoms of PPD and PMAD and the rates at which they receive diagnoses and mental health care. The authors of this study aimed to determine the role that race and ethnicity plays in these disparities. To do so they followed the perinatal journeys of several thousand women and discovered that while there were no significant differences in diagnosis by race / ethnicity, women of color were significantly less likely to receive mental health care than their non-Hispanic White counterparts. This data reflects the importance of destigmatizing perinatal mental health challenges and promoting equitable health care. Some of the authors recommendations include the creation of policies requiring PPD and PMAD screenings and reimbursement and trainings around culturally responsive care.

Resource Details

• Setting/Context of Implementation: Clinical|Community
• Topics of Practice: Data Collection and Analysis|Outreach/ Education/ Communications
• Outcomes of Interest: Reduction of Health Disparities
• Level of Evidence: Best
• Tools or Materials Included in Resource: No
• Social Determinants of Health: Healthcare Access and Quality|Social and Community Context
• Outside of US: No