“Starved” for Services: Analyzing Perinatal Depression Resources in Georgia Open Access
Pier, Ellyn (Spring 2022)
Abstract
Background
Perinatal depression affects infants, mothers and caregivers throughout the world. The most common complication of giving birth, perinatal depression generally requires the care of a healthcare professional in order to address the diverse symptoms and support needs of the perinatal individual. Appropriate recognition and treatment of perinatal depression is a significant healthcare need throughout the state of Georgia. Treatment accessibility is limited by resource and provider shortages throughout the state.
Purpose
In this project, I map the resources and services available to individuals at risk of or suffering from perinatal depression and evaluate the availability of supporting services among medical professionals in Georgia to provide resources and information for partner organization, PEACE for Moms.
Methods
Using a multi-pronged approach, I mapped the organizations, practitioners and programs that support mental health in perinatal populations in Georgia and disseminated a survey among healthcare providers to provide further insight on mental healthcare and resources for perinatal populations. These methods resulted in a resource map created using Zeemaps software and recommendations for PEACE for Moms based on provider feedback.
Results
Results include the high level of need for perinatal mental health resources throughout the state, though the majority of existing resources are concentrated in the Atlanta metro area. Few resources are available to this population in other areas of the state, particularly rural areas. Results also show high levels of inaccurate information regarding these resources online, and few low cost resources or services that accept insurance. Additionally, survey responses revealed low levels of awareness of the PEACE for Moms program and the particulars of its services.
Discussion
Significant access problems exist in the state of Georgia for perinatal mental health resources. Financial and geographic accessibility are causes for concern, brought up by survey respondents and supported by results in the resource map. Further program development should take place to help lower income, rural populations access these services and improve insurance coverage of mental health services. Organizations such as PEACE for Moms play an important role in improving access to mental healthcare for this population.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction..........1
Chapter 2: Literature Review..........5
Table 1. Risk and Protective Factors for Perinatal Depression..........8
Chapter 3: Methodology..........17
Chapter 4: Results..........24
Table 2. Respondent Demographics..........26
Table 3. Workplace Type..........27
Figure 1. County..........28
Figure 2. Perinatal Mental Health Needs Met at Workplace..........29
Table 4. Where Perinatal Individuals Find Support..........30
Chapter 5: Discussion..........34
Appendix A: Resource Map..........40
Appendix A1: Resource Map – Georgia..........40
Appendix A2: Resource Map – Detail View..........41
Appendix B: Survey Text..........42
Appendix C: Survey Recruitment Materials..........45
References..........46
About this Master's Thesis
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