Perinatal Depression: Factors Affecting Help-seeking Behaviours in Asylum Seeking and Refugee Women. A Systematic Review

Overview

Journal J Migr Health

Specialty Health Services

Date 2022 Sep 16

PMID 36110501

Authors

Amanda Firth

Melanie Haith-Cooper

Josie Dickerson

Andrew Hart

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: Perinatal depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions in the general maternity population but whilst the prevalence is thought to be much higher in asylum seeking and refugee (AS&R) women, it is less frequently identified and diagnosed by health care professionals.

Method: A systematic review was undertaken to address 'what factors influence help-seeking behaviours in asylum seeking and refugee women with symptoms of perinatal depression'. The review focussed on women accessing care in high income countries. 12 studies met the eligibility criteria and a narrative synthesis was undertaken resulting in two main themes: women's perceptions of depression and access to healthcare and support services.

Results: Findings indicated that many of the influences on help-seeking were also present in the general population and women from ethnic minority populations, with the exception of migration experiences; but that women from a AS&R background may experience more of these barriers, exacerbating inequality in access to and engagement with healthcare.

Conclusion: Further research is needed to provide more detailed insight into the experiences of asylum seeking and refugee women to identify ways that barriers in help-seeking can be addressed.

Citing Articles

Enablers of and Barriers to Perinatal Mental Healthcare Access and Healthcare Provision for Refugee and Asylum-Seeking Women in the WHO European Region: A Scoping Review.

Markey K, Moloney M, ODonnell C, Noonan M, ODonnell C, Tuohy T Healthcare (Basel). 2024; 12(17).

PMID: 39273766 PMC: 11395031. DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12171742.

Syrian refugee women's experiences of barriers to mental health services for postpartum depression.

Salameh T, Sakarya S, Acarturk C, Hall L, Al-Modallal H, Jakalat S J Adv Nurs. 2024; 81(4):1992-2002.

PMID: 39171776 PMC: 11896830. DOI: 10.1111/jan.16407.

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