PSYCHIATRIC DISORDER OF JAMAICAN WOMEN WITH CHILDREN: POST COVID-19

Authors

  • PAUL ANDREW BOURNE Department of Institutional Research, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Jamaica.
  • ONEILIA GARDNER Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Jamaica.
  • KACIA HAYLES Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Jamaica.
  • SHADANE NELSON Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Jamaica.
  • KESHANNA YOUNG Department of Nursing, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Jamaica.
  • JAMES FALLAH Department of Dental Hygiene, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Jamaica.
  • CALVIN CAMPBELL Department of Mathematics and Engineering, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Jamaica.
  • CLIFTON FOSTER Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Jamaica.

Keywords:

psychiatric disorders, Jamaican women, children, post Covid-19

Abstract

Mental illness among mothers is a global issue that requires addressing myths, stigma, and discrimination. This study examines the impact of perinatal depression on Jamaican women with few or more children and promotes mental health sensitivity in the Caribbean. A web-based survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 1067 females across Jamaica. Mothers with fewer children may be better equipped to provide adequate care and meet their children's needs, reducing the likelihood of developing psychological stress related to financial constraints. Half (50.5%) of the women reported having difficulty providing necessities for their family, while the remaining 49.4% responded that they had no trouble providing. Balancing various aspects of life can be challenging for some. Nearly half of the respondents (45.5%), or 485 individuals, reported having difficulty balancing motherhood with work and social life. The findings suggest that a person's child count does not affect their likelihood of acquiring a mental illness. The study highlights the need for effective coping strategies and reliable support networks for mothers. The results indicate that balancing motherhood with work and social life is a significant challenge for many mothers, and support groups can help alleviate the burden.

References

Allen, F. (1998): Health psychology: Theory and practice. – Behavioral Medicine 344p.

American Psychiatric Association Web Portal (2023): What is depression? – American Psychiatric Association Official Portal. Retrieved from:

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression

Avison, W.R. (1997): Single motherhood and mental health: implications for primary prevention. – Canadian Medical Association 156(5): 661-663.

Chandra, P.S., Herrman, H., Fisher, J.E., Kastrup, M., Niaz, U., Rondon, M., Okasha, A. (2009): Contemporary topics in women's mental health: global perspectives in a changing society. – John Wiley & Sons 593p.

Fields, L. (2023): OCD: Types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and related condition. – WebMD Official Portal. Retrieved from:

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder

Heinisch, C., Galeris, M.G., Gabler, S., Simen, S., Junge-Hoffmeister, J., Fößel, J., Spangler, G. (2019): Mothers with postpartum psychiatric disorders: proposal for an adapted method to assess maternal sensitivity in interaction with the child. – Frontiers in Psychiatry 10: 15p.

Holland, K. (2022): Everything you need to know about anxiety. – Healthline Official Portal. Retrieved from:

https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety

Kohen, D. (2013): Women and mental Health. – Routledge 252p.

Kuipers, Y.J., van Beeck, E., Cijsouw, A., van Gils, Y. (2021): The impact of motherhood on the course of women's psychological wellbeing. – Journal of Affective Disorders Reports 6: 8p.

Manning, C., Gregoire, A. (2006): Effects of parental mental illness on children. – Psychiatry 5(1): 10-12.

Nicholson, J., Sweeney, E.M., Geller, J. L. (1998): Focus on women: Mothers with mental illness: I. The competing demands of parenting and living with mental illness. – Psychiatric Services 49(5): 635-642.

Pacific Health System Web Portal (2021): What does psychiatric disorder mean? – Pacific Health System Official Portal. Retrieved from:

https://pacifichealthsystems.com/blog/what-does-psychiatric-disorder-mean/

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) (2020): Care for Mental Health Conditions in Jamaica: The Case for Investment. Evaluating the Return on Investment of Scaling Up Treatment for Depression, Anxiety, and Psychosis. – World Health Organization (WHO) Official Portal. Retrieved from:

https://www.paho.org/en/documents/care-mental-health-conditions-jamaica-case-investment-evaluating-return-investment

Saurel-Cubizolles, M.J., Romito, P., Ancel, P.Y., Lelong, N. (2000): Unemployment and psychological distress one year after childbirth in France. – Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 54(3): 185-191.

Scheid, T.L., Brown, T.N. (1999): Approaches to mental health and illness: Conflicting definitions and emphasis. – A Handbook for The Study of Mental Health: Social Contexts, Theories, and Systems 11p.

Wilson, H., Finch, D. (2021): Unemployment and mental health Why both require action for our COVID-19 recovery. – Health Foundation: London, UK 17p.

Wittchen, H.U., Knappe, S., Schumann, G. (2014): Introduction to the ROAMER work package 5 consensus document: The psychological perspective on mental health and mental disorder research. – International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research 23(Suppl. 1): 15-27.

Downloads

Published

2023-08-28

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

PSYCHIATRIC DISORDER OF JAMAICAN WOMEN WITH CHILDREN: POST COVID-19. (2023). Quantum Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, 2(3), 1-10. https://qjmhs.com/index.php/qjmhs/article/view/53