ISSUES AND INNOVATIONS IN NURSING PRACTICE
A qualitative study of the experiences of a group of Hong Kong Chinese
women diagnosed with postnatal depression
Sally Wai-Chi Chan PhD RMN
Associate Professor, The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Valerie Levy PhD RM
Formerly Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Tony K.H. Chung MD FRANZCOG
Chairman and Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
and Dominic Lee MD MRCPsych
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Abstract
Aim of the study. To examine the lived experiences of a group of Hong Kong
Chinese women diagnosed with postnatal depression.
Background. Postnatal depression affects approximately 1 in 10 childbearing
women in Hong Kong. However, most studies of postnatal depression have been
carried out in Western societies and no qualitative research was found describing the
experience of Hong Kong Chinese mothers with postnatal depression.
Design. A phenomenological study was conducted. Data were collected by semistructured
interviews. A purposive sample of 35 women diagnosed with postnatal
depression was interviewed. Interview data were analysed following Colaizzi’s
phenomenological methodology.
Results. Themes that emerged describing participants’ experiences included trapped
in the situation, ambivalent towards the baby, uncaring husband, and controlling
and powerful in-laws. Women felt hopelessness, helplessness and loss of control.
They were trapped in a situation that had no way of escape except by violent means,
such as homicide or suicide. Feelings towards the baby were ambivalent, both hate
and love. Several women had injured, or had thought of injuring or killing, their
babies and/or themselves. Women’s unhappiness was attributed to a noncaring
husband, and controlling and powerful in-laws. Generally, women did not seek help
until their depression was diagnosed by screening tests.
Conclusion. This study has revealed insights into how women experienced postnatal
depression in Hong Kong, and what they perceived as contributing to their
depression. These insights may be used to guide interventions for women and their
families to raise awareness regarding the support childbearing women need.
Keywords postnatal depression, qualitative experience, Hong Kong Chinese women
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