Richelle Duque Björvang

I am a physician scientist passionate about female reproductive health and mental health with an extensive exposure to the clinical, experimental and epidemiological arenas. I like solving problems, enjoy challenges, figuring out solutions, and analyzing data. Aside from managing my own projects, I also venture into communicating my research to a broad audience through various platforms. In my spare time, I do jigsaw puzzles, make arts and crafts, and take care of my plants.

2021 PhD in Reproductive Toxicology, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden

2016 Masters in Medical Science, Uppsala University, Sweden

2012 Doctor of Medicine, University of the Philippines - Manila, Philippines

2007 BSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines - Diliman, Philippines

One of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide is perinatal depression (PND), with a global prevalence of 26%. It is defined as the onset of depression during pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth. This has short- and long-term negative impact not only on the health and wellbeing of the woman, her partner and the child but also for the society. Hence, this is a major public health concern. Numerous studies have examined the risk factors of PND, separating them into either biological or psychosocial. Despite the complex nature of PND where interactions between these two factors occur, there is still limited studies on integrating them. My project aims to shed light on our understanding of PND by using biological alongside psychosocial factors to identify possible subgroups of PND, which might have different pathophysiology and risk factors. This will be critically important for early identification and timely intervention of women at high risk for PND.