Problem: The relationship between social and cultural factors and risks for postpartum depression among women of Hispanic ancestry. The study examined these hypotheses: 1) Social and cultural factors influence the risk factors associated with PPD, 2) Cultural factors influence the expression of PPD, and 3) Perinatal risk factors are directly related with the development of PPD.
Conceptual Framework: Kleinman’s (1985) explanatory model of illness views culture as the context for interpreting human experiences as health and illness and influences the expression and treatment of illness. Leininger’s (1960) Culture Care theory emphasizes human caring as the discovery of diversities and similarities among cultures in relation to beliefs, values and practices of caring, wellness, illness and healing.
Methodology: Descriptive and correlational design using quantitative and qualitative methods. 2 instruments were used: the Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory (PDPI) (Beck, 2002) and the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS) (Beck, 2000).

Data Collection: IRB approval obtained from Kean University and the hospital. Study protocols, informed consent forms, and interview guides were translated to Spanish. The PDPI was administered through individual interview prenatally;  the PDSS was given by telephone interview 2 weeks postpartum; 2 participants who had no phones completed the PDSS by mail.

Sample: Consisted of 24 low income, pregnant women attending the OB Clinic at Englewood Hospital Medical Center who were: a) of Hispanic ancestry, b) 36 – 40 weeks gestation, c) able to read and write in English or Spanish, and d) agreed to be followed up 2 weeks postpartum. 

Findings: Scores in the PDPI were not correlated or predictive scores in the PDSS. Only 4 mothers scored >59 which represented higher than normal risks in the PDSS. Cultural beliefs emphasizing strong social support postpartum mitigated the risks for PPD

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