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BMC Women's Health
Published in: BMC Women's Health 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Mood Disorders | Research

A qualitative study on the adaptation of community programmes for the promotion of early detection and health-seeking of perinatal depression in Nepal

Authors: Prasansa Subba, Petal Petersen Williams, Nagendra Prasad Luitel, Mark J. D. Jordans, Erica Breuer

Published in: BMC Women's Health | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Despite the high burden of perinatal depression in Nepal, the detection rate is low. Community-based strategies such as sensitization programmes and the Community Informant Detection Tool (CIDT) have been found to be effective in raising awareness and thus promoting the identification of mental health problems. This study aims to adapt these community strategies for perinatal depression in the Nepalese context.

Methods

We followed a four-step process to adapt the existing community sensitization program manual and CIDT. Step 1 included in-depth interviews with women identified with perinatal depression (n=36), and focus group discussions were conducted with health workers trained in community mental health (n=13), female community health volunteers (FCHVs), cadre of Nepal government for the prevention and promotion of community maternal and child health (n=16), and psychosocial counsellors (n=5). We explored idioms and understanding of depression, perceived causes, and possible intervention. Step 2 included draft preparation based on the qualitative study. Step 3 included a one-day workshop with the psychosocial counsellors (n=2) and health workers (n=12) to assess the understandability and comprehensiveness of the draft and to refine the content. A review of the CIDT and community sensitization program manual by a psychiatrist was performed in Step 4.

Results

The first step led to the content development for the CIDT and community sensitization manual. Multiple stakeholders and experts reviewed and refined the content from the second to fourth steps. Idioms of depression and commonly cited risk factors were incorporated in the CIDT. Additionally, myths of perinatal depression and the importance of the role of family were added to the community sensitization manual.

Conclusion

Both the CIDT and community sensitization manual are grounded in the local context and are simple, clear, and easy to understand.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Footnotes
1
‘Single-mindedness’ is a local phrase used to explain rumination or doing the same thing persistently for a prolonged period of time without considering anything else
 
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Metadata
Title
A qualitative study on the adaptation of community programmes for the promotion of early detection and health-seeking of perinatal depression in Nepal
Authors
Prasansa Subba
Petal Petersen Williams
Nagendra Prasad Luitel
Mark J. D. Jordans
Erica Breuer
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Women's Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6874
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03122-y

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