Abstract

MALOLEKA, Ntsehiseng; RATHOBEI, Libuseng M.  and  NARANJEE, Nellie. Perceptions of Lesotho nurse-midwives regarding post-partum depression management. Curationis [online]. 2024, vol.47, n.1, pp.1-8. ISSN 2223-6279.  https://doi.org/10.4102/curationis.v47i1.2624.

BACKGROUND: Effective post-partum maternal care is essential for the overall well-being of both the mother and the child. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a pervasive issue with profound implications for maternal health. However, a significant research gap exists concerning the perspectives of nurse-midwives on PPD within the context of Lesotho. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore perceptions of nurse-midwives about PPD management at a tertiary care facility in Lesotho. METHOD: The study site was the Quthing Hospital, a government-funded healthcare facility situated in Lesotho's southernmost district, Quthing. Employing a constructivist paradigm, the research adopted a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design. Using purposive sampling, nine nurse-midwives participated in individual interviews. RESULTS: Thematic analysis of the data resulted in three themes emerging namely: a lack of nurse midwifery empowerment, inadequate human and material resources and stigma on mental health issues. CONCLUSION: Nurse-midwives at a large tertiary care facility perceive PPD management through a multifaceted lens. Insights underscored the complexity of PPD and its ramifications for maternal care. CONTRIBUTION: This study provides invaluable perspectives from nurse-midwives within a specific Lesotho context, laying the foundation for strategies to enhance PPD management and maternal mental healthcare.

Keywords : perceptions; nurse; midwives; post-partum depression; maternity ward; management.

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