“Pain in my heart”: Understanding perinatal depression among women living with HIV in Malawi

Background Perinatal depression (PND) can interfere with HIV care engagement and outcomes. We examined experiences of PND among women living with HIV (WLWH) in Malawi. Methods We screened 73 WLWH presenting for perinatal care in Lilongwe, Malawi using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). We conducted interviews with 24 women experiencing PND and analyzed data using inductive and deductive coding and narrative analysis. Results Women experienced a double burden of physical and mental illness, expressed as pain in one’s heart. Receiving an HIV diagnosis unexpectedly during antenatal care was a key contributor to developing PND. This development was influenced by stigmatization and social support. Conclusions These findings highlight the need to recognize the mental health implications of routine screening for HIV and to routinely screen and treat PND among WLWH. Culturally appropriate mental health interventions are needed in settings with a high HIV burden.