Barriers to accessing perinatal mental health services in ethnically diverse women in the UK.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mental health problems are common among women during the perinatal period (here defined as during pregnancy and the 2 years after birth), affecting up to 20% of women. Although there are effective treatments for perinatal mental health problems, ethnically diverse women who are at higher risk of developing perinatal mental health problems are less likely to access treatment for their perinatal mental health problems. This study explored perceptions of perinatal mental health problems and barriers to accessing treatment amongst a sample of ethnically diverse women with current or past experiences who did not receive help from a specialist team.

Methods

This study is qualitative primary research. Twenty-eight women living in England who reported they struggled with

SUBMITTER: Makinde E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12922248 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature