Maternity care and postnatal depression in Greece: an ethnographic study

Leontari, Maria 2013. Maternity care and postnatal depression in Greece: an ethnographic study. MPhil Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

The overall aim of this study was to explore and to reach an understanding of the quality of maternity care regarding postnatal depression in Greece. Postnatal depression is a severe depressive disorder, which occurs in the postpartum period with its incidence quoted up to 10-15%. Midwives and obstetricians can play a key role in the early detection of postnatal depression by identifying vulnerability factors. An ethnographic approach was taken in the research design. Midwives and obstetricians formulated the study participants. Non participant observation and interviews were employed as means to explore their perceptions over the particular health care setting and their views on postnatal depression. The data were transcribed and analysed using an inductive approach. Categories and themes were formulated and they represent the key findings that emerged from the study. An ethnographic analysis gave an illustration of the maternity services in Greece and their ability to deal with postnatal depression. The study demonstrated that the majority of the study participants felt that there was no adequate support regarding postnatal depression. Time constraints, inadequate education, lack of interpersonal relationships, stigmatisation and the involvement of the family were key issues that arose from the study with respect to the care provided towards postnatal depression. Conclusions drawn from the study imply that both obstetricians and midwives believe that a reorganisation of the service is required that could utilise all their skills and abilities. Continuity of care and a multi-professional team with the involvement of mental health services is suggested so a holistic perspective of care is applied.

Item Type:	Thesis (MPhil)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Subjects:	R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics R Medicine > RT Nursing
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	19 Mar 2016 23:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/64027

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