Abstract

The researchers explore the stigma of postpartum depression and role of lady health workers in bringing the women to the health facility and following up on their treatment. In-depth interviews were conducted from the registered patients (n = 22), Lady Health Visitors (n = 2) and Lady Health Workers (LHWs) (n = 2) in a public primary and tertiary healthcare facility in peri-urban areas of district Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Stigma of depression and lack of awareness was perceived as one of the major reasons for women to struggle with the label of postpartum depression and seeking medical treatment. Lady health workers played a significant role in health education and bringing them to the health facility. The services rendered by LHWs can be enhanced through comprehensive training as they can play an effective role in spreading awareness and educating the patients of postpartum depression in peri-urban areas and their families, consequently, ensuring their treatment and its follow-up.

摘要

研究人员探讨了产后抑郁症的耻辱以及女性卫生工作者在将女性带到卫生机构并跟进治疗方面的作用。对注册患者 ( n  = 22)、女士健康访问者 ( n  = 2) 和女士健康工作者 (LHW) ( n = 2) 在巴基斯坦拉瓦尔品第区郊区的公共初级和三级医疗保健机构。抑郁症的污名和缺乏意识被认为是女性与产后抑郁症的标签作斗争和寻求医疗的主要原因之一。女性卫生工作者在健康教育和将她们带到卫生机构中发挥了重要作用。LHWs 提供的服务可以通过综合培训得到加强，因为他们可以有效地宣传和教育城郊地区产后抑郁症患者及其家人，从而确保他们的治疗和随访。