Pregnant asylum-seekers’ perspectives regarding mental health screening: a qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to identify a suitable and acceptable method to screen for depression, anxiety and PTSD in pregnant asylum seekers. Methods We conducted eight semi-structured interviews with pregnant asylum seekers. Before the interview participants filled out the Refugee Health Screener 15 (RHS-15) and a demographic questionnaire. During the semi-structured interview, we discussed the acceptability and suitability of the RHS-15 to screen and start dialogue about PTSD, anxiety and depression. To analyse data, an inductive thematic analysis was performed by two researchers. The interviews took place at the Asylum Seeker Centre of Ter Apel, the Netherlands in the months of November and December 2020. Results The following themes were identified: ‘Importance of mental health screening', ‘Talking about mental health' and ‘Use of the RHS-15'. Pregnant asylum seekers find themselves in an underserved, and disadvantaged situation. They find it meaningful and acceptable to talk about mental health with their midwife or other health care professionals, but they would not initiate a conversation on mental health spontaneously. They would appreciate encouragement in disclosing matters regarding their mental health and help with navigating the healthcare system. Barriers and enablers to talk about mental health included a language barrier, cultural differences, relationship with health care providers and practical barriers. Participants considered the RHS-15 suitable for mental health screening. Conclusions This is the first study in Europe that assesses the suitability and acceptability of mental health screening in pregnant asylum seekers from their perspective. Asylum-seeking women appreciate mental health screening during pregnancy and think the RHS-15 is an acceptable and suitable method. Further research is necessary for health care providers and policy makers to implement mental health screening for pregnant asylum seekers. Key messages The results of this study suggest that asylum-seeking women deem mental health screening during pregnancy nessesairy and find the RHS-15 a suitable and acceptible method of screening. This is the first study in Europe that investigates the opinion of pregnant asylum seekers on mental health screenings.