Perinatal depression - views of women and healthcare professionals
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of women’s experiences of perinatal low mood/depression and health professionals’ experiences of providing care for women who have perinatal low mood/depression
IRAS ID
237021
Contact name
Semra Pinar
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 0 days
Research summary
About one in ten women suffer from depression during pregnancy or after childbirth. Depression during this period can affect not only the woman but also her partner and children. Evidence suggests that although women have regular contact with health professionals, they do not tend to disclose their feelings and, therefore, perinatal depression often remains undiagnosed. Among those whose depression is detected and treated, few receive evidence-based treatments. It is an important issue to address due to the high prevalence of perinatal depression and impact on women, children and partners. Therefore, this study aims to explore women’s subjective experiences of perinatal low mood/depression, and health professionals’ experiences of providing care for such women, in order to understand the phenomena and identify areas to improve the provision of care.\n\nThis qualitative study will use interview methods to collect data from health professionals and women. The participants will be recruited from three sites within Yorkshire and Humber to ensure representation across this geographical area. Eligible participants: 1) A range of health professionals (n=30) with at least three years experience of planning/providing care for women with perinatal low mood/depression. 2) Women (n=30) who have experienced low mood/depression during pregnancy or in the first year after childbirth in the last five years, but who are now feeling well.\n\nStudy outcomes will enable a better understanding of the problems and potentially help improve the provision of care and treatment for perinatal depression. The findings will also contribute to the chief investigator’s PhD project in terms of tailoring a Behavioural Activation intervention manual to meet women’s psychological needs during the perinatal period, thereby improving perinatal depression outcomes.\n
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/YH/0004
Date of REC Opinion
18 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion