Conceptualisations of Postpartum Mental Disorder Among Yoruba Communities in Southwest Nigeria: Meanings, Causes, and Responses
1
Institute of Child Health, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria
2
American Institutes for Research, Arlington, VA, United States
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2472
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Postpartum mental disorders(PPMD) encompassing conditions from "postnatal blues" to postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum psychosis (PPP), are global public Health concerns(1,2,3,4). The "fourth trimester," is a period of intense physiological and psychological change, marking a unique vulnerability to mental health conditions5. In Nigeria, studies have shown significant rates of PPMD yet its recognition and management are deeply shaped by local cultural interpretations. This study explores Yoruba conceptualisations of postpartum mental illness, locally referred to as abísinwín a term describing a woman who becomes mentally unwell following childbirth in Oyo State, southwest Nigeria. Data for this study was obtained from 20 stakeholders during a co-creation workshop held 22-23rd October 2025 in Oyo state Nigeria. Participants included ward development committee chairs, health workers, researchers, young mothers and mental health program officers of Oyo state Ministry of Health. Participants examined community perceptions of the causes, manifestations, treatment, and prevention of postpartum mental illness, as well as locally understood descriptions of common mental health disorders. Data was recorded, transcribed and organised by themes. Participants identified multiple, interrelated explanations for abísinwín. A dominant belief was that postpartum mental illness is hereditary or familial, perceived as inevitable among women from affected families. Two main forms of abísinwín were described. Spiritual explanations were prominent. Excessive worry related to financial hardship, relationship challenges, and fear of childbirth was perceived as a trigger. Treatment was often through spiritual or traditional practices such as administering water from spiritually significant rivers. Preventive strategies included strict postpartum dietary restrictions, notably the consumption of unseasoned foods to stabilise the body and mind. Integrating culturally informed perspectives into maternal mental health interventions may improve recognition, acceptability, and responsiveness of postpartum mental health services in Yoruba communities.
Postpartum mental disorders(PPMD) encompassing conditions from "postnatal blues" to postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum psychosis (PPP), are global public Health concerns(1,2,3,4). The "fourth trimester," is a period of intense physiological and psychological change, marking a unique vulnerability to mental health conditions5. In Nigeria, studies have shown significant rates of PPMD yet its recognition and management are deeply shaped by local cultural interpretations. This study explores Yoruba conceptualisations of postpartum mental illness, locally referred to as abísinwín a term describing a woman who becomes mentally unwell following childbirth in Oyo State, southwest Nigeria. Data for this study was obtained from 20 stakeholders during a co-creation workshop held 22-23rd October 2025 in Oyo state Nigeria. Participants included ward development committee chairs, health workers, researchers, young mothers and mental health program officers of Oyo state Ministry of Health. Participants examined community perceptions of the causes, manifestations, treatment, and prevention of postpartum mental illness, as well as locally understood descriptions of common mental health disorders. Data was recorded, transcribed and organised by themes. Participants identified multiple, interrelated explanations for abísinwín. A dominant belief was that postpartum mental illness is hereditary or familial, perceived as inevitable among women from affected families. Two main forms of abísinwín were described. Spiritual explanations were prominent. Excessive worry related to financial hardship, relationship challenges, and fear of childbirth was perceived as a trigger. Treatment was often through spiritual or traditional practices such as administering water from spiritually significant rivers. Preventive strategies included strict postpartum dietary restrictions, notably the consumption of unseasoned foods to stabilise the body and mind. Integrating culturally informed perspectives into maternal mental health interventions may improve recognition, acceptability, and responsiveness of postpartum mental health services in Yoruba communities.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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