Mental Health and Maternity Care Experiences Among Females with ppOCD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
“What if?” the Lived Experiences of Mental Health and Maternity Care Services Among Females with a Diagnosis of Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ppOCD) were Understood Better in Research and Clinical Practice: A Thematic Analysis.
IRAS ID
344927
Contact name
Laura McCabe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 19 days
Research summary
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterised by intrusive thoughts (i.e. obsessions) and/or behaviours (i.e. compulsions) which cause marked distress. The perinatal period (pregnancy to 24 months post-birth) is a ‘triggering factor’ for the onset or exacerbation of OCD (i.e. perinatal OCD). Perinatal OCD has been associated with widespread adversities for the mother, baby and wider family unit. Despite this, research into the lived experiences of perinatal OCD is limited, with only one study to date, exploring the maternity and mental health care experiences among individuals with perinatal OCD. To address this literature gap, the current research aims to explore lived experiences of perinatal OCD, considering how mental health and maternity care is accessed and experienced, together with exploring factors which facilitate access to care.
The research aim has been broken down into two research questions:
1. How accessible are mental health and maternity care services among females with a diagnosis of perinatal OCD and what factors facilitate access to this care?
2. What is the perceived quality of care among females with a diagnosis of perinatal OCD?12-18 female participants with perinatal OCD experiences will be recruited. Participants will predominantly be recruited purposively from Cheshire and Merseyside specialist perinatal mental health services. However, due to barriers impacting recruitment (e.g. shame around intrusive thoughts), researchers may also recruit a volunteer sample of participants using study advertisements which will be shared on online platforms and printed and displayed in local services and GP surgeries.
Eligible participants will complete the participant information sheet and consent form via telephone with the student investigator, before taking part in a 60-minute interview via Microsoft teams or telephone. Participants will be debriefed, given the opportunity to ask questions and will be signposted to relevant services following the interview. Participants will be paid a £15 Love2shop voucher as a thank you.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0252
Date of REC Opinion
2 Oct 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion