African immigrant mothers’ views of perinatal mental health and acceptability of perinatal mental health screening: Quantitative cross-sectional survey study
Abstract
The purposes of this study were to: 1) identify African immigrant mothers’ views of perinatal mental health and to identify predictors of those views, and 2) identify African immigrant mothers’ views regarding perinatal mental health screening and to determine factors associated with those views. A survey conducted across Alberta (predominantly in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge) showed African immigrant mothers’ knowledge of postnatal mental health is high, but there is less knowledge on prenatal mental health and its effect on child development. There was also high acceptability of universal perinatal mental health screening.
Notes
Future research / gaps identified:
Complete a longitudinal study (i.e. follow participants over time) to support this data.
Integration timeline: not defined
Key findings:
1) The majority of participants had more knowledge of postnatal mental health as compared to prenatal mental health.
2) Only 25.4% accurately responded that prenatal anxiety and/or depression could negatively impact child development.
3) Most respondents strongly agreed that women should be universally screened pre- and postnatal for mental health concerns.
Key populations: African immigrant mothers in Alberta
Open access: Yes
Community organizations: n/a
Key recommendations:
1) Expedite action on the call for a national perinatal mental health strategy to affect policy, practice and funding.
2) Increase maternal mental health literacy programs.
Location: Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge predominantly, with other locations in Alberta unspecified