Healthcare providers’ experiences and needs in perinatal mental health screening among women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Belgium - Abstract - 278

Sep 30, 2026

Perinatal mental health problems are common, especially among communities with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Despite international guidance recommending screening during this critical period, implementation remains uneven and inequitable, with women from migrant backgrounds less likely to receive screening than nonmigrant women, potentially leaving at-risk individuals without appropriate support. This study explores healthcare providers’ experiences and needs regarding culturally sensitive screening for perinatal depression and anxiety.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Aims

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Results

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Keywords

vi146 European Journal of Public Health, Vol. 35, Supplement 6, 2025 Abstract citation ID: ckaf180.407 278 Healthcare providers’ experiences and needs in perinatal mental health screening among women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgroundsin Belgium Floor Puttemans1,2, Titia Hompes1, Vasiliki Andreou2,3, Leontien Jansen1,4, Birgitte Schoenmakers2 1 KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Mind-body Research, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium 2 KU Leuven, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Center for General Practice, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium 3Institute of Medical Education Research Rotterdam, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands 4 KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Public Health Psychiatry, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium EP3.4, e-Poster Terminal 3, September 4, 2025, 11:35-13:00 Aims: Perinatal mental health problems are prevalent, particularly among communities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Despite global recommendations for mental health screening in this critical period, research shows that implementation remains inconsistent and inequitable. Women from migrant backgrounds are less likely to be screened compared to those from nonmigrant backgrounds, possibly leaving those at risk without the necessary care. To promote culturally sensitive screening practices for all, this research project aims to explore healthcare providers’ experiences and needs pertaining to the screening of perinatal depression and anxiety among women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Methods: We employed a generic qualitative study design, involving focus group discussions with healthcare providers in primary care and community-based settings. We included general practitioners, midwives, maternity nurses, child health service workers, cultural support workers, gynaecologists, physiotherapists, and primary care psychologists. A purposive sampling strategy was used, and potential participants were recruited via newsletters, social media or email. Discussions were recorded, verbatim transcribed, and are currently being analysed using inductive framework analysis. Results: Five heterogeneous focus groups, each consisting of three to five participants were conducted. While the final results are pending, it is anticipated that the study will provide in-depth insights into healthcare providers’ experiences and needs in culturally sensitive perinatal mental health screening. Preliminary results suggest that the main challenges stem from cultural and linguistic differences and organisational barriers in care. However, specific tools and training might support healthcare providers in the screening process. Findings will be presented at the conference. Conclusions: The study’s findings will be highly valuable, as they could improve our understanding of healthcare providers’ experiences and needs. Subsequently, this knowledge could inform the development of a culturally sensitive screening program and the selection of specific strategies ensuring the implementation of equitable mental health screening for all (expectant) mothers. Keywords: Mental well-being, migrants, perceptions

FAQs

Why focus on perinatal mental health screening for culturally and linguistically diverse women in Belgium?

Perinatal mental health problems are prevalent, and screening implementation is reported to be inconsistent and inequitable. Women from migrant backgrounds are less likely to be screened, which may leave those at risk without necessary care.

How was the study conducted to understand providers’ experiences and needs?

A generic qualitative design was used with focus group discussions across primary care and community-based settings. General practitioners, midwives, maternity nurses, child health service workers, cultural support workers, gynaecologists, physiotherapists, and primary care psychologists participated, and discussions were recorded and transcribed for inductive framework analysis.

What challenges are expected, and what solutions might help?

Preliminary results suggest challenges arise from cultural and linguistic differences and organisational barriers in care. Specific tools and training may support healthcare providers during the screening process.

Sep 30, 2026

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