A Mixed-Method Study on Barriers and Facilitators of Mental Health Well-Being Among Postnatal Mothers: A Preliminary Study

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DOI: 10.21522./TAJMHR.2016.06.01.Art018

Authors : Simone Roberts Kent, Joseph Jeganathan

Abstract:

Perinatal mental health disorders affect approximately 10–20% of women globally, yet research in Caribbean Small Island Developing States remains limited. Understanding context-specific barriers and facilitators to mental health care among postnatal mothers is essential for developing appropriate interventions. A mixed method, cross-sectional design was adopted. Ten postnatal mothers were selected by purposive sampling and completed a self-administered questionnaire comprising socio-demographic proforma, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) were used. Four postnatal mothers and two healthcare workers were interviewed. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were employed. The study findings revealed that in the DASS Scale, 50% of participants reported depressive symptoms above the normal range, 100% for anxiety, and 20% for stress. The SF-36 revealed that the lowest scores were in role limitations due to emotional problems (mean 45.8) and energy/fatigue (mean 52.5), while physical functioning (mean 77.6) was higher than mental health (mean 67.6). Cross-tabulation revealed that younger mothers (18–24 years) had the lowest mean mental health score (61.0) compared to mothers aged 25–34 years (72.0) and 35–44 years (72.0). The majority of participants (40%) were in the early postpartum period (1–4 weeks). Qualitative findings identified barriers including cultural expectations of strength, stigma, lack of partner support, financial constraints, inconsistent screening practices, unclear referral pathways, and inadequate training among healthcare workers. Facilitators included emotional safety, supportive partners and family, trust in healthcare providers, and willingness among healthcare workers to receive training. This study finding reported that postnatal mothers had anxiety symptoms above the normal range warrants urgent attention and highlights the critical need for integrated perinatal mental health services in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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