Other people’s life : lived experiences of depression in Hmong women

Abstract

          Objectives This study aims to explain lived experiences of depression in Hmong women in Northern of Thailand. 

          Materials and methods A phenomenological approach was employed during February to December 2016. Data collection methods included participant observations, in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and the use of fi eld diaries. There were 31 Hmong participated in the study. Data were analyzed using content analysis based on gender perspective and the Hmong culture.
          Results Diverse status under the expectations and conditions of the Hmong cultural society context. Strong specifi city, direct thinking and treat women. “Other People’s Life” refl ects the role and burden that Hmong women have to bear in all lifetimes, affects the mental health of women. There were 5 major fi ndings including; 1) Married couple life (kaorpu) 2) Life of widow(puchwa) 3) The life of neglected wife (puchao) 4) Daughter life (hmi chi) and 5) Single life(luokaow). Strong ethnic traditions, role and inferior status create conditions that frustrate women’s and leading to depression.
          Conclusion An understanding Hmong women’s status will be helpful for providers to be aware of and to accept a client’s cultural background and life experiences. This cultural knowledge will enable nurses to improve services that are culturally and gender sensitive for this population.