Researcher ORCID Identifier

0009-0003-1515-2680

Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Open Access Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

W.M. Keck Science Department

Second Department

Biology

Reader 1

Erin Jones

Reader 2

Emily Matteson

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Rights Information

© 2024 Natalia Alameda

Abstract

Obstetric violence, a structural form of gender-based violence, involves abuse, mistreatment, or neglect by healthcare providers during obstetric care. It is often associated with childbirth trauma and may result in physical and psychological harm to mothers and children, including postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a major depressive episode occurring during pregnancy or within four weeks following delivery. While these concepts are often studied independently, few studies examine their intersection, particularly among Latina women in the United States. To address this gap, an integrative literature review was conducted to explore the association between obstetric violence and postpartum depression among Latina women. After screening 466 reports by titles and abstracts, 26 were included for review. Thematic analysis revealed nine key themes: (i) childbirth trauma has significant effects, (ii) obstetric violence analysis, (iii) legal proposals to reduce obstetric violence, (iv) associations between obstetric violence, traumatic births, and postpartum mental health, (v) stereotypes perpetuating obstetric violence, (vi) adverse life events as predictors of postpartum depression, (vii) cultural orientation and perceived discrimination’s impact on mental health, (viii) cesarean sections and postpartum depression, and (ix) maternal mortality rates influenced by social determinants of health. While this integrative review highlights research on the topic, discussing it is the first step to raise awareness. Incorporating the obstetric violence framework into the American legal system and medical education, as well as developing educational programs for pregnant and birthing individuals to enhance health literacy are some essential measures to challenge and mitigate this harmful phenomenon.

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