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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Mood Disorders | Research

Racial and ethnic disparities in access to community-based perinatal mental health programs: results from a cross-sectional survey

Authors: Slawa Rokicki, Mitu Patel, Patricia D. Suplee, Robyn D’Oria

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Perinatal mental health is a major public health problem that disproportionately affects people from racial and ethnic minority groups. Community-based perinatal mental health programs, such as peer support groups, are essential tools for the prevention and treatment of perinatal depression. Yet, little is known about racial and ethnic disparities in accessibility and utilization of community-based perinatal mental health programs.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey with program administrators representing perinatal mental health community-based services and support programs throughout New Jersey. Descriptive analysis and mapping software was used to analyze the data.

Results

Thirty-three program administrators completed the survey. Results showed substantial racial and ethnic disparities in availability and utilization of community-based programs. In the majority of programs, Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals made up less than 10% of total annual participants and less than 10% of facilitators. There were also geographic disparities in program accessibility and language availability across counties. Program administrators identified mental health stigma, lack of support from family, fear of disclosure of mental health challenges, social determinants, lack of language-concordant options in programs, and limited awareness of programs in the community as significant barriers to participation of racial and ethnic minorities. Strategies to address barriers included adding language options, improving program outreach, and increasing diversity of facilitators.

Conclusions

This study provides new evidence on racial and ethnic disparities in access to community-based perinatal mental health programs. Efforts to build the resources and capacities of community-based programs to identify equity gaps, increase diversity of staff, and address barriers to participation is critical to reducing racial and ethnic inequities in perinatal mental health.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Racial and ethnic disparities in access to community-based perinatal mental health programs: results from a cross-sectional survey
Authors
Slawa Rokicki
Mitu Patel
Patricia D. Suplee
Robyn D’Oria
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18517-7

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