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Implementing innovative evidence-based perinatal mental health screening for women of refugee background

Authors :
Jacqueline Boyle
Suzanne Willey
Christine East
Leanne Boyd
Tracy Finch
Nadia N. Khan
Melanie Gibson-Helm
Source :
Women and Birth. 33:e245-e255
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
Elsevier BV, 2020.

Abstract

Problem National guidelines recommend repeated screening for depression and anxiety for all women in the perinatal period. Routine screening in pregnancy is limited due to service, community and individual barriers. Background Perinatal depression and perinatal anxiety affect up to 20% of all women. Women of refugee background are at even greater risk for perinatal mental health conditions due to refugee experiences and resettlement stressors. Aim To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a perinatal mental health screening program for women of refugee background from the perspective of health professionals. Methods A mixed methods design guided by the Normalization Process Theory was used. Data were collected at a dedicated refugee antenatal clinic in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. An online survey (n = 38), focus groups (n = 2; 13 participants) and semi-structured interviews (n = 8; 11 participants) with health professionals were conducted. Findings Under the four constructs of the Normalization Process Theory, health professionals reported improvements in identifying and referring women with mental health issues, more open and in-depth conversations with women about mental health and valued using an evidenced-based measure. Key issues included professional development, language barriers and time constraints. Discussion Implementing a perinatal mental health screening program has been positively received. Strategies for sustainability include professional development and the addition of audio versions of the measures. Conclusion This perinatal mental health screening program is acceptable and a feasible option for health professionals. Health professionals value providing more holistic care and have more open discussion with women about mental health.

Details

ISSN :
18715192
Volume :
33
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Women and Birth
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....96688537ef7284fb1453a62bc0a425ab
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2019.05.007