Mental Health Screening for Refugee Minority Ethnic Women in the UK

Abstract

The importance of assessing mental health during and after pregnancy is being increasingly recognised. Rates of mental health problems during and after pregnancy are higher among those from minority ethnic groups living in the United Kingdom (UK) compared with White British women and birthing people. However, there are cultural differences in understanding mental health struggles, acceptability of admitting symptoms and willingness to accept help. This paper explores the literature about perinatal mental health screening for minority ethnic women and birthing people in the UK.