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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Perinatal mental health care in a rural African district, Uganda: a qualitative study of barriers, facilitators and needs

Authors: Juliet E. M. Nakku, Elialilia S. Okello, Dorothy Kizza, Simone Honikman, Joshua Ssebunnya, Sheila Ndyanabangi, Charlotte Hanlon, Fred Kigozi

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Perinatal mental illness is a common and important public health problem, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to explore the barriers and facilitators, as well as perceptions about the feasibility and acceptability of plans to deliver perinatal mental health care in primary care settings in a low income, rural district in Uganda.

Methods

Six focus group discussions comprising separate groups of pregnant and postpartum women and village health teams as well as eight key informant interviews were conducted in the local language using a topic guide. Transcribed data were translated into English, analyzed, and coded. Key themes were identified using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Participants perceived that there was an important unmet need for perinatal mental health care in the district. There was evidence of significant gaps in knowledge about mental health problems as well as negative attitudes amongst mothers and health care providers towards sufferers. Poverty and inability to afford transport to services, poor partner support and stigma were thought to add to the difficulties of perinatal women accessing care. There was an awareness of the need for interventions to respond to this neglected public health problem and a willingness of both community- and facility-based health care providers to provide care for mothers with mental health problems if equipped to do so by adequate training.

Conclusion

This study highlights the acceptability and relevance of perinatal mental health care in a rural, low-income country community. It also underscores some of the key barriers and potential facilitators to delivery of such care in primary care settings. The results of this study have implications for mental health service planning and development for perinatal populations in Uganda and will be useful in informing the development of integrated maternal mental health care in this rural district and in similar settings in other low and middle income countries.
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Metadata
Title
Perinatal mental health care in a rural African district, Uganda: a qualitative study of barriers, facilitators and needs
Authors
Juliet E. M. Nakku
Elialilia S. Okello
Dorothy Kizza
Simone Honikman
Joshua Ssebunnya
Sheila Ndyanabangi
Charlotte Hanlon
Fred Kigozi
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-016-1547-7

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