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Risk of Antenatal Psychosocial Distress in Indigenous Women and its Management at Primary Health Care Centres in Australia

Gausia, Kaniz, Thompson, Sandra C., Nagel, Tricia, Schierhout, Gillian, Matthews, Veronica and Bailie, Ross S. (2015). Risk of Antenatal Psychosocial Distress in Indigenous Women and its Management at Primary Health Care Centres in Australia. General Hospital Psychiatry,37(4):335-339.

Document type: Journal Article
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IRMA ID 11381xPUB78
Title Risk of Antenatal Psychosocial Distress in Indigenous Women and its Management at Primary Health Care Centres in Australia
Author Gausia, Kaniz
Thompson, Sandra C.
Nagel, Tricia
Schierhout, Gillian
Matthews, Veronica
Bailie, Ross S.
Journal Name General Hospital Psychiatry
Publication Date 2015
Volume Number 37
Issue Number 4
ISSN 1873-7714   (check CDU catalogue  open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-84930087687
Start Page 335
End Page 339
Total Pages 5
Place of Publication United States
Publisher Elsevier Inc.
Field of Research MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DIISR)
Abstract Objective
This study explored the risk of antenatal psychosocial distress (APD) and associated potential factors and examined management aspects of risk of APD in women attending Aboriginal primary health care services in Australia.

Method
Audits of medical records of 797 pregnant women from 36 primary health centres in five jurisdictions (NSW, QLD, SA, WA and NT) were undertaken as part of a quality improvement programme. Information collected included mental health assessed by a standard screening tools, enquiry regarding social and emotional well-being (SEWB), depression management (including antidepressant medications) and referral.

Results
Around 18% (n= 141) of women were at risk of APD based on assessment using a standard screening tool or by SEWB enquiry. There was a significant association between risk of distress and women’s life style behaviours (e.g., alcohol, illicit drug use) and health centre characteristics. Of the 141 women, 16% (n= 22) were prescribed antidepressant drugs during pregnancy. A range of nonpharmaceutical mental health interventions were also recorded, including brief intervention of 61% (n= 86), counselling of 57% (n= 80) and cognitive behaviour therapy of 5% (n= 7). About 39% (n= 55) of women with APD were referred to external services for consultations with a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker or to a women’s refuge centre.

Conclusions
The higher risk of APD associated with women’s life style behaviour indicates that the better understanding of mental health in its cultural context is essential.
Keywords Antenatal Psychosocial Distress
Depression
Social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB)
Indigenous women
Australia
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2015.04.005   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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