This study was done with a purpose to explore mental health treatment preferences among black pregnant and postpartum women in an urban OB practice, serving predominantly black women with public insurance.
The study included14 perinatal women as a study sample at an urban obstetrics practice in USA Washington DC. Semi-structured interviews were conducted as a data collection strategy to gain insight into their emotional experiences during pregnancy and postpartum, and to obtain patient recommendations for mental health interventions within an obstetrics setting. Patient interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by two coders using inductive thematic analysis and consensus procedures.
Within the overall content theme of the provider-patient relationship, black women noted differences in their overall levels of comfort in discussing stress and mental health issues. Subthemes of authentic connection and perceived stigma emerged. Relevant subthemes on intervention topic preferences discussed content, modality, and logistics.
The findings of this study highlight the importance of offering integrative, culturally competent, and accessible mental health interventions in order to prevent and treat perinatal depression among low-income black women in OB settings.
Reference: https://thejmch.com/index.php?journal=thejmch&page=article&op=view&path%5B%5D=302
