Sociocultural challenges to screening for perinatal suicide risk by lay health workers in southern Viet Nam

Abstract

This qualitative study examined sociocultural factors influencing the discussion of suicide and suicide risk by lay health workers during perinatal depression screening. As part of a collaborative care model pilot study, this study centers perspectives of lay health workers from My Khanh and Tan Thoi communes in the southern Mekong delta region of Viet Nam.8 focus group discussions and 7 interviews were conducted with Commune Health Center (CHC) staff and pregnant or postpartum women. Focus group discussions and interviews were audio recorded, translated, and transcribed for thematic analysis. Four major themes were discussed: the avoidance of the term “death” in screening language, the disruption of social harmony, the establishment of trust between lay health workers with both perinatal women and their families, and adequate training to increase confidence in screening. Understanding the role of interpersonal relationships and the cultural significance of social harmony and language around death are important for improving lay health worker confidence and effectiveness in discussing suicide risk for perinatal depression screening.