Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/56881
Title: Women's and men's knowledge of postnatal depression
Authors: Galea, Katya
Keywords: Women
Men
Postpartum depression
Marriage
Awareness
Issue Date: 2012
Citation: Frendo K. (2012). Women's and men's knowledge of postnatal depression (Bachelor's dissertation).
Abstract: Lack of knowledge about postnatal depression (PND) in the community may hinder women suffering from this disorder from seeking the help required. The aim of the study was to evaluate women's and men's knowledge on PND. In order to fulfill this aim a quantitative approach was adopted and data was collected by means of a questionnaire. The sample was chosen by means of convenience sampling and consisted of 30 couples (N=60), who were attending the Cana Movement course in preparation for their marriage. Data was collected during the month of November, 2011. Women and men were given the same questionnaire to be answered separately. Data was collected from three groups; the Fgura Parish Church, Imsida University Chaplaincy and Msida Parish Church. Findings revealed a high level of awareness about the term PND and its definition. However it was observed that women were more aware of the term PND when compared to males. Results regarding the definition of PND revealed that PND was confused with baby blues. Lack of knowledge on the prevalence rate of PND and PND occurring in fathers was evident in both genders. Overall, participants were knowledgeable about the risk factors and symptoms of PND. However a gender difference was evident, with women being more aware of both the risk factors and symptoms of PND. Participants also believed that PND could have adverse affects on the whole family. In addition results highlighted lack of education about PND in Malta, especially in male participants, since few males indicated that they had received information regarding this subject. Furthermore few participants indicated that they received information from healthcare professionals. Information was mainly received from friends. A high percentage of participants correctly believed that PND requires professional help and the psychologist was the most commonly identified source of help by both female and male participants. The study's results cannot be generalised due to the small sample size chosen by convenience sampling. Recommendations from this study include; increasing awareness of postnatal depression in the community, the need for midwives to be knowledgeable in order to educate the community and the need to repeat the present study on a larger scale.
Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/56881
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacHSc - 2012
Dissertations - FacHScMid - 2012

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