Umeå universitets logga

Background: The mental health of mothers is a concern all over the world and affect the entire family. Postpartum depression (PPD) can affect mothers during the first year after childbirth and the prevalence is about 13% worldwide, and even higher among women who migrated to another country. In Sweden nurses at Child Health Centers (CHC) are responsible for health checkups with mothers and children, and although the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare recommend screening for PPD in all women after childbirth, it is not followed in all regions and non-Swedish speaking mothers are offered screening to a lesser extent than Swedish speaking mothers. There are challenges in reaching the goal of offering healthcare based on equity. This study aims to contribute to improve the healthcare for immigrant women by exploring Child Health Services (CHS) nurses’ experiences of meeting immigrant women, and their views on intervention needed to improve the communication and the screening process.

Method/design: In this study qualitative method will be used. Semi-structured in-depth interviews will be held with 4-6 nurses working in CHC in Umeå with experience from meeting immigrant women. The data collected will be analyzed using inductive content analysis, conventional approach.

Discussion: The study will explore CHS nurses’ experiences of meeting immigrant mothers and screening for PPD, and their perspectives of improvement needed. It will increase the knowledge of challenges nurses face and their thoughts about intervention needed when caring for this group of women. The information can aid managers and care developer when reaching for a healthcare based on equity, equality and evidence.