Presenter(s): Sejal Asher – International Studies
Faculty Mentor(s): William Johnson, Kristin Yaris
Poster 93
Research Area: Global Health
Globally, Argentina has the highest population of psychologists per capita and is succeeding increasing psychiatric social acceptability; yet, the lack of maternal mental health programs and education is questionable and troublesome. The research presented focuses on the treatment and education of postpartum depression in the public healthcare sector of Argentina and why access to care is almost nonexistent in a nation openly invested in mental health care. The primary research was collected over four weeks and methods included formal interviews, informal conversations, and participant observation. A majority of this research was conducted while volunteering in Maternidad Martin, a public maternity clinic in Rosario. During the time in the clinic, the researcher interviewed many staff members, volunteers, and patients about maternal mental health. The conclusion was made that the lack of information and education surrounding maternal mental health is high because of the lack of government enforcement for a set standard of care in the public health system. In provinces further from the capital, the quality of care is progressively lower. This is not due to discrimination but rather to the lack of education amongst medical workers. In addition, the structure of the Argentine family adds to the widening informational gap surrounding the stigma of maternal mental health. Though general mental health is openly discussed, negative mental health issues associated with motherhood are taboo as women fear being labeled as an inadequate mother. This research is critical because it expands upon an issue affecting one in seven women globally. It is imperative to strengthen maternal mental health care because ignoring issues within the topic is not only detrimental to the quality of life for the mother, but also negatively affects the future of the child and stability of the family structure as a whole.