A qualitative study of the impact of peer support on women's mental health treatment experiences during the perinatal period.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Perinatal mental health problems are prevalent, affecting up to 20% of women However, only 17-25% receive formal support during the perinatal period. In this qualitative study, we sought to examine women's experiences with peer support for mental health problems during the perinatal period.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with twenty-five mothers from the UK who had utilised peer support for a perinatal mental health problem. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Seven major themes were identified in women's help seeking process and experience of peer support. These included; perinatal specific precipitating factors that contributed to their mental health problems, barriers in the form of unhelpful professiona

SUBMITTER: Rice C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9450402 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature