PATH Online Resources (PATHOR)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating PerinAtal menTal Health Online Resources (PATHOR): Improving knowledge and de-stigmatising perinatal mental illness (PMI)
IRAS ID
297553
Contact name
Lyndsey Hurcomb
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT)
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 22 days
Research summary
Perinatal mental illnesses (PMI) refer to mental health disorders which occur during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child. The focus of this study is mild to moderate experiences of PMI (i.e. perinatal depression and anxiety). In the UK, these illnesses are usually managed through primary care, by accessing support from GPs, midwives and health visitors. Early identification of PMI is vital in shaping the care and support provided to new parents however; a lot of new parents still find it difficult to talk about their experiences and to seek help. Previous research suggests that some of the main reasons that might prevent people from seeking help with PMI are:
a. Identifying that they may be experiencing PMI and that they require additional support
b. Stigma, negative beliefs about themselves and concerns about how other people might judge them.
c. Inadequate support in the workplace due to a lack of resources and understanding of PMI.
d. Healthcare Professionals’ difficulty to recognise PMI and levels of confidence around talking about PMI with women and families.It is clear that we need to address these issues in order to help people talk more openly about their experiences of anxiety and depression during the perinatal period. One way to do this is by increasing knowledge about and destigmatising mild to moderate PMI. In the past, web-based resources have been found to be an effective method of sharing information and resources about health conditions (such as HIV, breast cancer and mental health), and they have been used in other countries (i.e. the United States of America and Australia) to educate people about PMI.
Together, with healthcare professionals, employers and people with lived experience of PMI we have co-created an online hub to share information and resources around PMI. PerinAtal menTal Health Online Resources (PATHOR) aims to improve understanding and recognition of mild-moderate PMI as well as to reduce the stigma associated with this illness.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of these resources. Four groups of participants will be invited to take part in this study: pregnant/new mothers, partners, healthcare professionals, and employers. Data will be collected using two anonymous online surveys; one for pregnant/new mothers and partners, and the other for healthcare professionals and employers. These surveys will include questions on recognition and awareness of mental illness, perinatal depression and anxiety, and stigma.REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/WM/0198
Date of REC Opinion
9 Sep 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion