A recent study led by researchers from Far Eastern University (FEU) has shed light on perinatal depression among Filipino mothers, highlighting urgent gaps in maternal mental health support.

Published in top health journal, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Open, “Epidemiological investigation of perinatal depression among pregnant and postpartum women: findings from a cross-sectional survey in the Philippines” is a significant milestone. Led by Joycelyn Abiog Filoteo, faculty member at IHSN-Nursing and current Director of the University Research Ethics Office, and Dr. Joemer Calderon Maravilla, FEU adjunct professor and research fellow at The University of Queensland (UQ), it is the first major investigation into perinatal depressive symptoms in the Philippines since the COVID-19 pandemic.

3 in 5 pregnant and postpartum Filipino women experienced clinically significant depressive symptoms

Drawing from a nationwide sample of 856 mothers, 69.1 % of pregnant women and 62.0 % of postpartum women specifically showed signs of perinatal depression, numbers that surpass the global average of 25%.  These symptoms include, but not limited to, psychological distress, suicidal thoughts, sadness, and anhedonia or loss of interest in enjoyable activities.  The researchers reported consistently severe symptoms across pregnancy trimesters and within 12 months postpartum and beyond.  

Younger mothers and single postpartum women were found to face even greater risks, pointing to how age and social support play crucial roles in maternal well-being.  Women who had access to adequate prenatal care appeared less likely to report depressive symptoms, reinforcing the importance of accessible and consistent maternal healthcare services. The findings also indicate a need for early mental health support, alongside more integrated public health strategies that address the broader social and economic conditions affecting Filipino mothers.

From Philippine research to global impact

This study is part of the COCOON Global Study, which is a broader collaboration across 15 countries, led by Australia’s national Stillbirth Centre for Research Excellence. In the Philippines, FEU funded and coordinated this effort, drawing on expertise across disciplines including nursing, psychology, epidemiology, and health sciences.  

The research team includes Dr. Jose Edwardo Mamaat, Ms. Arbie Diane Flores, Dr. Ana Nelia Jumamil, Dr. Reinalyn Cardenas, Dr. Wilfredo Quijencio Jr., Ms. Mary Ann Bayani, Dr. Nemencio Santos Jr., Dr. Joyce Lisa Acena, Dr. Anna Liza Alfonso, Ms. Mayla Rivera, Ms. Rebecca Guariño, Dr. Rachelle Sarmiento, Prof. Vicki Flenady, Prof. Frances Boyle, Dr. Siobhan Loughnan, and Dr. Alma Trinidad Taragua.

For FEU, the publication represents not just an academic achievement but a step forward in addressing mental health as a national priority.  It provides vital local evidence in an area that has been largely overlooked for decades. The evidence uncovered by FEU researchers paves the way for policies and programs that bolster maternal mental health support systems and improve outcomes for Filipino mothers and their children.