Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Category
Social Sciences/Humanities
Abstract/Artist Statement
Purpose:
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS) affect approximately 1 in 3 birthing people in Montana, impacting parent-infant bonding and contributing to high rates of maternal suicide. 95-97% of birthing people suffering from PMADS do not reach full remission. This study investigates the barriers that prevent effective screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) for PMADS, from the perspective of birthing people in Montana. The results point to systems-level barriers and supports to SBIRT, and provide recommendations for improvements to the perinatal screening process.
Methods:
In 2021, I conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 people, who had given birth in Montana in the previous three years. A community advisory board (CAB), comprised of those with lived-experience, aided with the interview guide, resource list, and analysis. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded in NVivo using qualitative descriptive methodology. A summary of results was shared with participants provided their consent and approval from IRB was granted.
Originality:
This project is unique insofar as it investigates perinatal mental health screening from the perspective of birthing people and utilizes the SBIRT model. Primarily applied to inform interventions for perinatal substance use, the SBIRT model is an apt framework for conceptualizing perinatal mental health as well. This study elicits the views of birthing people, but applying the SBIRT model to frame these results in such a way as to be understood by providers and directly translated to effective change.
Significance:
As an exploratory study, these data are significant for informing future research surrounding perinatal mental health in Montana. In particular, the results are favorable for expanding this research design to a larger sample size and rural communities.
Mentor Name
Jessica L. Liddell
Personal Statement
This research was largely influenced by critical, Indigenous, and anti-oppressive research practices and my lived experienced with perinatal mental health. The later paradigms informed much of the study design, centering the needs and autonomy of participants. In addition to adhering to IRB protocols regarding consent, I took tangible steps towards this goal. I worked closely with the CAB to create a resource guide for participants that included area-specific resources and supports. To ensure equitable access to data, I shared a summary of results with participants and asked for feedback prior to submitting work academically. Mindful of the emotional labor, time and energy necessary to participate, I also secured funding to provide honorariums to all interviewees. Through my own experiences with perinatal anxiety and depression, I knew that the sharing one’s story can be valuable in itself. With help from my advisors and the CAB, we carefully crafted the research guide to include questions about interviewees’ experiences with a lack of systematic supports, and to also elicit their resiliency and creativity in finding informal supports. Finally, I ended each interview by asking participants for their recommendations for change. Designing the study with intention, was also important for making this study valuable for the community. Sharing perspectives of birthing people of the screening process is essential for creating effective improvements. In framing the results of this study using SBIRT, I hope to provide tangible suggestions for change to the screening process. These results have been shared nationally at two large conferences, and now locally through GradCon. Lastly, as an individual affected by perinatal mental health, the research process of reflection, action, and discovery was invaluable for my own growth as parent and researcher.
Video Presentation
A Qualitative Study Investigating Perinatal Mental Health Screening: “It’s maternal mental health from a mom’s point of view”
UC 333
Purpose:
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS) affect approximately 1 in 3 birthing people in Montana, impacting parent-infant bonding and contributing to high rates of maternal suicide. 95-97% of birthing people suffering from PMADS do not reach full remission. This study investigates the barriers that prevent effective screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) for PMADS, from the perspective of birthing people in Montana. The results point to systems-level barriers and supports to SBIRT, and provide recommendations for improvements to the perinatal screening process.
Methods:
In 2021, I conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 people, who had given birth in Montana in the previous three years. A community advisory board (CAB), comprised of those with lived-experience, aided with the interview guide, resource list, and analysis. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded in NVivo using qualitative descriptive methodology. A summary of results was shared with participants provided their consent and approval from IRB was granted.
Originality:
This project is unique insofar as it investigates perinatal mental health screening from the perspective of birthing people and utilizes the SBIRT model. Primarily applied to inform interventions for perinatal substance use, the SBIRT model is an apt framework for conceptualizing perinatal mental health as well. This study elicits the views of birthing people, but applying the SBIRT model to frame these results in such a way as to be understood by providers and directly translated to effective change.
Significance:
As an exploratory study, these data are significant for informing future research surrounding perinatal mental health in Montana. In particular, the results are favorable for expanding this research design to a larger sample size and rural communities.