Postpartum depression in the Ghanaian context: A concept analysis

Abstract

Postpartum is a unique period in the lives of women with childbirth but presents with postpartum depression, which challenges the mother, infants, and families. In the global and Ghanaian setting, postpartum depression is a mental disorder that impedes maternal function; however, it is an indistinct concept. This article analyses the concept of postpartum depression using the Avant and Walker strategy. The article aims to analyse the concept of postpartum depression and determine the defining attributes, antecedents and consequences. Analysis of postpartum depression was done using the Avant and Walker strategy of concept analysis. Deductive analysis was employed to find the defining attributes of postpartum depression which were mood changes, tiredness, inability to sleep, low self-esteem, tearfulness, loss of appetite, feelings of inadequacy, irritability, loss of interest and enjoyment, reduced energy, distress, detachment from baby, worry about injury to the infant, and feeling of guilt about motherhood role performance. The identified antecedents were the presence of pregnancy, labour, childbirth and its physiological and psychological stress. The consequence of postpartum depression was poor cognitive function of the infant, nutritional defects, mortalities associated with deprived infant care, maternal self-care deficit, social interaction impairment and inability to perform parental roles. The defining attributes and consequences can improve the identification of women with postpartum depression in Ghana and subsequently increase diagnosis and treatment.