Language Proficiency and Migrant-Native Disparities in Postpartum Depressive Symptoms

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Perinatal Mental Health

Background:

• Migrant women exhibit elevated risks for postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) compared to native populations.
• Host-country language proficiency is a potential factor influencing this health disparity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between host-country language proficiency and PPDS among migrant women.
• To quantify the impact of varying language skills on the prevalence of PPDS in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 1475 migrant and 1415 native women from the baMBINO cohort study (2017-2019).
• Self-rated language proficiency (understanding, speaking, reading, writing) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (≥10 cut-off) were used.
• Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the link between language proficiency and PPDS.

Main Results:

• PPDS prevalence was 12.4% in migrants versus 7.2% in native women (p < 0.001).
• Increasing PPDS rates correlated with decreasing Portuguese proficiency: 11% (full), 13% (intermediate), 18% (limited).
• Limited language proficiency showed significantly higher odds of PPDS (aOR 2.55) compared to native proficiency.

Conclusions:

• Host-country language proficiency is a significant factor in PPDS disparities among migrant women.
• Targeted interventions for migrant women with limited language skills are crucial for prevention and early detection.
• Facilitating effective communication in perinatal healthcare is essential for supporting this vulnerable group.