Abstract
Problem
National guidelines recommending mental health screening in pregnancy have not been
implemented well in routine maternity care. Women of refugee background are likely
to have experienced traumatic events and resettlement stressors, yet are not often
identified with mental health issues in the perinatal period.
Background
Globally, perinatal mental health conditions affect up to 20% of women. Many difficulties
in accessing mental health care in pregnancy exist for women of refugee background
including stigma, and cultural and language barriers. Technology can provide an efficient
and effective method to overcome some of these barriers.
Aim
To determine if a digital perinatal mental health screening program is feasible and
acceptable for women of refugee background.
Methods
This qualitative evaluation study used focus group and semi-structured telephone interviews
with refugee and migrant women from four communities. Interpreters were used with
women who spoke little or no English. Data were analysed using both an inductive and
deductive approach to thematic analysis.
Findings
Under the three key themes: ‘Women’s experiences of perinatal mental health screening
in pregnancy’; ‘Barriers and enablers to accessing ongoing mental health care’ and
‘Improvements to the program: the development of audio versions’, women found the
program feasible and acceptable.
Discussion
Screening using a mobile device offered women more privacy and opened up discussions
with midwives on emotional health. Improvements in service coordination and access
to further mental health management for women is required.
Conclusion
Perinatal mental health screening is an acceptable and feasible option for women of
refugee background. Integrated models of care, case management, and patient navigators
are options for improvements in uptake of referral and treatment services.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 20, 2019
Accepted:
October 15,
2019
Received in revised form:
October 15,
2019
Received:
March 29,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
