Risk and Protective Factors of Perinatal Depression in Perinatal Latinas: a Systematic Review.

Résumé

Perinatal depression (PND) is a critical public health concern, affecting approximately 1 in 7 women in the United States. Perinatal Latinas experience the highest prevalence and lowest screening and treatment rates, yet remain under-represented in perinatal mental health research. Prior studies have targeted specific subgroups of perinatal Latinas (e.g., Mexican, foreign-born women) or assessed depressive symptoms within short follow-up periods, rather than across the entire perinatal period from pregnancy through 12 months postpartum, limiting the understanding of risk and protective factors across the entire perinatal period. The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize current evidence on PND prevalence, risk, and protective factors among perinatal Latinas. Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed and APA PsycINFO were searched from January 1987 to June 2025 for quantitative observational studies that assessed PND or depressive symptoms during pregnancy through 12 months postpartum among Latina adults.Study quality was appraised using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Reported PND prevalence ranged from 5.3% to 60%, varying by screening tool, cut-off, and timing. Higher PND risk was associated with socioeconomic disadvantage, discrimination, primiparity, history of depression, and acculturative stress. Protective factors of PND included having a vaginal delivery, high BMI, social support, , spirituality, and resilience. Most studies were of fair to good quality but were limited by geographic region and inconsistent PND measurement across screening tools. Culturally tailored, bilingual screening and family-based interventions are needed to leverage protective factors of PND risk and reduce disparities in PND among Latinas.