Views of healthcare professionals and service users regarding anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression in Oman

Abstract

Accessible Summary What is known on the subject? Anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression negatively affect the relationship between mothers and their children. At least half of cases of anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression were missed and underdiagnosed by healthcare professionals (HCPs) including doctors, nurses and midwives. Previous qualitative studies considered women's experiences relating to anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression separately from studies looking at the views of HCPs. There is a lack of research in Middle Eastern countries, despite the high prevalence of anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression. What does this paper add to existing knowledge? This is the first qualitative study investigating the experiences of both HCPs and service users regarding anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression from the Middle East perspective, particularly in Oman. This study revealed that anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression has been neglected in primary healthcare systems in Oman. The study explored many barriers and facilitators which have been identified by both HCPs and patients in identifying and managing anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression in the primary healthcare system. What are the implications for practice? Nurses, midwives and doctors should develop an empathic screening procedure that allows for the discussion of mental health concerns and help‐seeking behaviours with their patients. Training nurses and midwives in motivational interviewing, routinely screening mothers with any depressive symptoms, as well as providing public education programmes to increase mental health awareness, resources and access to a variety of mental healthcare alternatives, could be successful in recognizing and managing anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression. Abstract Introduction Anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression is known to affect the relationship between infants and their mothers adversely. Previous studies have identified barriers and facilitators, reported by women and HCPs, related to the identification and management of anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression. However, these studies considered the experiences of women separately from those of the healthcare professionals, even though their experiences of anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression are interconnected. Additionally, there is a lack of research among people living in the Middle East, including Oman, which has one of the highest rates of anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression globally. Aim This study aimed to explore the views and experiences of HCPs and service users relating to anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression from the Middle East perspective. Method A qualitative descriptive study using semi‐structured interviews was conducted. This study took place at the Family Medicine and Community Clinic at the University Hospital and three selected primary healthcare centres in Muscat, between May 2020 and February 2021. Purposive sampling was used: 15 HCPs with 2–20 years of clinical experience in anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal primary care and ...

Addressing Postnatal Challenges: Effective Strategies for Postnatal Care

“…Moreover, maintaining standards of care and education of midwives is necessary for rapid identification, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological deviations in postpartum women. Also ensuring all postpartum women have access to follow-up care will enhance their performance of the women [31].…”