Fiji is taking steps to better understand postpartum depression among mothers with the launch of a new research project aimed at addressing a lack of local data on the condition.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said the study, launched in partnership with the Fiji Medical Association (FMA), would help determine the scale of postpartum depression in Fiji and identify ways to better support affected mothers.
“There is currently very limited local data available, despite global studies showing that between 10 and 20 per cent of women may experience postpartum depression after giving birth,” Ms Kiran said.
“We know that many mothers may be struggling, but we do not have enough information to understand the scale of the problem in Fiji.
“The initiative follows concerns about child neglect cases and maternal wellbeing, which prompted discussions between the ministry and the FMA.”
The study is being led by Dr Alipate Vakamocea with support from the FMA. Retired nurses have been trained to assist with interviews and data collection.
Research will focus on mothers who delivered at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, with interviews to be conducted during immunisation visits at Maternal and Child Health clinics across the Suva-Nausori corridor.
A team of nine nurses will carry out fieldwork over the next two weeks. Dr Vakamocea said the project had received ethical approval from the Ministry of Health, with confidentiality measures and referral support in place for mothers identified as being at risk.
Findings from the study are expected later this year.
