
Associate Professor Jennifer Heck
PhD, RNC-NIC, CNE, PMH-C*
University of Oklahoma, United States of America
Postpartum Depression Prevalence in the Chickasaw Nation with a Description of Indigenous Perinatal Mental Health
Heck, J. L., Querdibitty, C., & Parker, J. G.
3-minute oral presentation
Wednesday 11 December, 10:35am
Purpose: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common childbirth complication, affecting nearly one in five women globally. Innovative approaches are necessary to develop culturally relevant ways to address Indigenous PPD. Mental health conditions are common underlying causes of Indigenous maternal mortality, and some studies report higher PPD prevalence in Indigenous women. Few studies examine Indigenous-specific PPD and its factors like prevalence or risk factors, making this study meaningful to the health of Indigenous families.
To enhance PPD care of Chickasaw Nation patients, tribal community advisory board members prioritized raising PPD awareness among providers, patients, and families. Tribal PPD or postpartum depressive symptom (PPDS) prevalence estimates were a suggested method. Purpose: To promote PPD awareness within the Chickasaw Nation by estimating PPD/PPDS prevalence.
Methods: Using CBPR, this study will retrospectively review EHR data from January 2018 to December 2024 to estimate PPD/PPDS prevalence and qualitative description to describe Indigenous women’s perceptions of perinatal mental health.
Results: Pending
Conclusions: If prevalence is comparatively high in tribal patients, its seriousness may be quantified, which is a novel development. Qualitative interviews of Indigenous women about perinatal mental health will add richness and context to the development of a culturally relevant PPD screen for Indigenous women.