This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
fact-checked
trusted source
proofread
Culturally-consistent midwifery care can optimize the mental health of pregnant Indigenous persons
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Indigenous individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum (perinatal) period. Despite this, less than 1% of studies examining perinatal mental health during the pandemic included Indigenous persons. The current work examined pandemic-related stressors and depression and anxiety among Indigenous women and mothers attending an Indigenous midwifery clinic.
Researchers found that a fear of COVID-19 infection, parenting and home-schooling children, and lack of support from female relatives and friends were particularly stressful. Despite these stressors, levels of depression (21%) and anxiety (26%) were lower than other groups surveyed during the pandemic and suggest that receiving culturally-supportive care from Indigenous midwives may have played a protective role.
Exploring the aspects of culturally-consistent care that may be contributing to the well-being of these Indigenous parents, as well as following them over time could help to optimize their mental health and that of their families.
The research is published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada.
More information: Sawayra Owais et al, Perinatal Mental Health of Indigenous Pregnant Persons and Birthing Parents During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.04.015
