Barriers and Facilitators to Maternal Mental Health Care Access: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Background: Maternal mental health disorders (MMHDs) have adverse health outcomes on women in the United States. Previous studies investigate the burden of disease and describe unmet treatment and prevention needs, however, few studies investigate factors that shape care access from the perspective of perinatal populations. Research aim: This study investigates the barriers and facilitators of accessing maternal mental health care through a qualitative analysis of 49 personal narratives submitted through an online survey. Methods: Survey responses (N=49) were collected, reviewed, and qualitatively coded and analyzed for pertinent themes relating to barriers and facilitators of maternal mental health care access. Data was collected and provided by the organization 2020 Mom, and coding was performed using a hybrid inductive-deductive method. Results: Facilitators of care access included partner advocacy, social support, and prior awareness and experience living with MMHDs. Barriers to care access included self-stigma and fear of judgment, provider lack of knowledge and non-specialized care for MMHDs, and lack of paid maternity leave. Conclusion: Access to maternal mental health care for women in the U.S. can be improved with strong social and community support, increased education and awareness of MMHDs, and paid maternity leave policies.