Women and Birth
2019

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

Willey S.M.* , Gibson-Helm M.E. , Finch T.L. , East C.E. , Khan N.N. , Boyd L.M. , Boyle J.A.
  • a Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 1, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
  • b Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 1, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
  • c Department of Nursing, Midwifery & Health, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Coach Lane Campus West, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7XA, United Kingdom
  • d Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 1, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia, Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia, Honorary, Monash Health, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
  • e Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 1, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
  • f Cabrini Institute, 154 Wattletree Rd, Malvern, Victoria 3144, Australia
  • g Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 1, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Monash Health, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia

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. © 2019 Australian College of Midwives

Author Keywords

Screening Perinatal mental health Women Evaluation Refugee and asylum seeker

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85066825524&doi=10.1016%2fj.wombi.2019.05.007&partnerID=40&md5=41be3d91705a26048bae476926e15109
DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2019.05.007
ISSN: 18715192
Original Language: English