A qualitative study exploringing perceptions of beneficiaries about a community - based intervention to address perinatal depression in rwanda

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study is to assess beliefs and attitudes and test a sustainable and low cost intervention to improve the mental health of mothers. It is unclear how women’s experiences of PND influence their beliefs and attitudes and their choice to seek help. We will also assess the level of efficacy of community-based emotional and information support intervention. Methods A qualitative study was conducted to assessing perceptions of pregnant women and new mothers about their perception of community-based-intervention addressing maternal mental health in Rwanda. Twelve in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions were conducted in Bugesera district of the Eastern Province. Data were collected in Kinyarwanda and analyzed using a content analysis approach. Results Findings suggest the lived experience of PND and associated attitudes and beliefs result in significant barriers to accessing help. Findingns were grouped in five three main themes: (1) stigma and denial; (2) poor mental health awareness; and (3) interpersonal support and other attitudes observed among participants. The community-based preventive and early psychosocial interventions addressing some of the mental health issues among mothers revealed of big role in changing mindset. Conclusion There is a better understanding of how a mother’s lived experience of postnatal mental illness and her associated attitudes and beliefs that may form barriers to her help seeking. This understanding allows those involved in the care and treatment of these mothers to be better placed to help them restructure their perceptions about the disorder.