Knowledge of Midwives Regarding Antenatal Depression, Screening, and Referral in South Africa: A Qualitative Study Protocol

Abstract

Women are twice at risk of developing depression compared to men. This risk is even higher during pregnancy where many physiological, hormonal, social, and psychological changes occur. Prevalence studies show perinatal mental disorders are at least as prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa as they are in high-income and other low- and middle-income sub-regions. The mean weighted prevalence of both antenatal and postpartum depression are 11.3% and 18.3%, respectively, and the mean prevalence of both prenatal and postpartum anxiety is 14.8% and 14%, respectively in both high and low- and middle-income countries. Although maternal mental disorders, including antenatal depression, are widespread and have serious consequences, there remains a lack of understanding and inadequate care provided to pregnant women, by midwives who are their main healthcare providers. Therefore, this study aims to explore the midwives’ knowledge of antenatal depression before and after a training session on antenatal depression. The study will follow a qualitative research methodology and will be conducted in a Community Healthcare Center, in South Africa. In-depth individual interviews will be conducted with the midwives who attend to pregnant women at the study site before and after a training session on antenatal depression. Elo and Knygas’ content analysis will be used to analyse data. It is hoped that the results of the study may provide support for advocating the integration of mental health services into maternal care programmes.