Role of Men in Supporting their Women Partners with Postpartum Depression (PPD): A study among Bangladeshis in Southern Ontario, Canada

Muhammad Salim Miah, Public Issues Anthropology, Dept. of Sociology and Anthropology

This study explores the role of men in supporting their women partners with postpartum depression (PPD) among Bangladeshis in Southern Ontario, Canada. Through in-depth interviews with 18 Bangladeshi men in Toronto, Guelph, and Kitchener-Waterloo from November 26, 2023, to January 5, 2024, it aims to understand men's perceptions, support mechanisms, and challenges of supporting their women partners.

Key findings indicate that men recognize emotional, behavioral, and physical signs of PPD, identifying factors like loss of normal life, and other socio-cultural issues. Factors deterring seeking professional help include perceptions of ineffectiveness in formal health care services, a focus on physical health, and inadequate patient time. Participants displayed hyper masculinity and patriarchal attitudes but also showed signs of a shift towards caring masculinity by engaging in childcare and domestic work, despite sometimes hesitating to leave behind traditional gender norms. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive interventions and recommends that policymakers and healthcare providers consider socio-cultural, religious, and economic dynamics, which is crucial for developing comprehensive mental health services for immigrants.

Presented by: Canada India Research Centre for Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE)