JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Although there is a significant body of evidence on maternal mental health, an inadequate focus has been placed on African immigrant women. This is a significant limitation given the rapidly changing demographics in Canada. The prevalence of maternal depression and anxiety among African immigrant women in Alberta and Canada, as well as associated risk factors, are not well understood and remain largely unknown.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence and associated factors of maternal depression and anxiety among African immigrant women living in Alberta Canada up to two years postpartum.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study surveyed 120 African immigrant women within two years of delivery in Alberta Canada from January 2020 to December 2020. The English version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-scale, and a structured questionnaire regarding associated factors were administered to all participants. A cut off score of 13 on the EPDS was indicative of depression, while a cut off score of 10 on the GAD was indicative of anxiety. Logistic regression was used to determine factors that were significantly associated with maternal depression and anxiety.

Results:

Among African immigrant women, 27.5% (33/120) met the EPDS cut-off score for depression and 12.1% (14/116) met the cut-off for GAD anxiety. A multivariable logistic regression model identified significant demographic and social factors associated with maternal depression (maternal age, working status, presence of friends in the city and access to a regular medical doctor) and maternal anxiety (access to a regular medical doctor and sense of belonging in local community).

Conclusions:

More than a quarter of African immigrant women respondents reported having symptoms of depression using the EPDS, while the rate of maternal anxiety was similar to other studies. Social support and community belonging initiatives may improve their maternal mental health outcomes. Given the complexities immigrant women face, more study is needed on a comprehensive approach to public health and preventative strategies towards maternal mental health post migration, including increasing access to family doctors.