"I'll look after the kids while you go and have a shower": an evaluation of a service to address mild to moderate maternal perinatal mental health problems. (4th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mugweni, Esther; Goodliffe, S.; Adams, C.; Walker, M.; Kendall, S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of mental health. Volume 28:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 324
• Page End: 330
• Publication Date: 2019-05-04
• Subjects: Perinatal mental health -- evaluation -- anxiety -- depression -- voluntary sector; Mental health -- Periodicals; Mental health services -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2019.1581347
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8237

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Perinatal mental health (PMH) problems are a major public health concern because they may impair parenting ability which potentially has an immediate and long-term impact on the physical, cognitive and emotional health of the child. Aims: We evaluated a Perinatal Support Service (PSS) which supports positive attachment between mothers with PMH problems and their child, to evidence its impact on maternal mental health and maternal-infant interaction. Method: Using a mixed-methods approach, anonymised pre- and post-service outcomes data from 123 clients, 14 interviews and a focus group discussion were analysed. Results: We found significant improvement in anxiety ( t (55) = 6.96, p < 0.01, 95% CI [3.15, 5.70]), and depression ( t (55) = 6.58, p < 0.01, 95% CI [3.03, 5.68]) on the HADS, and on the GAD-7 ( t (12) = 4.541, p = 0.001, 95% CI [3.48, 9.90]) after the PSS. Anxiety post service ( M = 9.08, SD = 4.96) was lower than baseline anxiety ( M = 15.77, SD = 4.68). Receiving emotional and practical support contributed to improvements in mental health and mother–child interaction. Conclusion: Given the paucity of PMH services in the UK, it is imperative that services such as the PSS continue to receive funding to address unmet PMH needs.