A qualitative study of the experiences of a group of Hong Kong Chinese women diagnosed with postnatal depression

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 semi‐structured 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.