Perinatal Mental Health Screening: Investigating the Perspectives and Experiences of Those Who Have Given Birth

Background and Purpose:

In response to national health recommendations and the high social and economic costs of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), mental health screening is being conducted at increasing rates during perinatal and well-baby checkups. Current research primarily examines perinatal mental health screening from the viewpoint of medical providers. These studies suggest that major barriers exist to connecting birthing persons with care following screening. Data, however, are limited surrounding birthing persons’ perspectives and experiences of the screening process. This study seeks to elevate the views of those who give birth to highlight the factors that they feel impact perinatal mental health screening success. This is essential data for overcoming barriers like stigma to improve screening outcomes.

Methods:

A Community Advisory Board (CAB) comprised of those with lived-experience, aided with recruitment and compiling a resource list for participants. Ten qualitative semi-structured interviews of people who have given birth since 2019 in Montana and who have experienced PMADs were conducted. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded in NVivo using qualitative descriptive methodology. The analysis was completed with input from the CAB and results shared with participants.

Results:

The results of this study indicate that interactions with providers during appointments severely impact birthing persons’ perspectives of the screening process. As described by participants, meaningful Interactions with providers contributed to an overall sense of support necessary for connecting them with care. Improvements suggested by participants include: 1) changes to the screening environment and protocols and 2) integrating explicit conversations with providers about PMADs into routine perinatal care.

Conclusions and Implications:

This study indicates that birthing persons view mental health as an integral aspect of perinatal healthcare. Implications include making reasonable changes in the screening process to significantly improve screening outcomes and educating providers about the importance of explicitly addressing perinatal mental health with regularity.