Insurance Status and its Effect on Mothers with Postpartum Depression in the United States

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant health issue in the US today: 1 in 8 new mothers experience symptoms of PPD. Understanding how social determinants of health impact the short and long-term health outcomes of patients with PPD is key to providing interventions that are effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered. In this literature review, we aimed to shed light on the association between discrepancies in health outcomes of mothers with PPD and their insurance status. A search was conducted across PubMed and ProQuest Central databases focusing on literature from 2014 onwards. Studies that explored factors contributing to PPD, the impact of PPD on breastfeeding and child development, and how insurance status influenced maternal healthcare access were selected for inclusion. Several longitudinal studies underscored the lasting impact of PPD on maternal and child health, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support services. We found that insurance status, particularly Medicaid coverage, played a significant role in access to postpartum care, with observed disparities in readmission rates and availability of mental health treatments. Understanding the intricate interplay of biological, genetic, and environmental factors influencing PPD is crucial for designing effective prevention and intervention strategies. Further, addressing systemic barriers and healthcare disparities is imperative in mitigating the impact of PPD. Future research should explore alternative treatment modalities, tackle healthcare disparities, and consider other socio-cultural factors influencing PPD prevalence and outcomes.