1. Physical Activity and Health Promotion Lab
A Needs Assessment of Omaha Service Providers to Better Understand Maternal Well-Being
Tyler Patterson, BA; Kailey Snyder, BA; Sofia Jawed-Wessel, PhD; Danae Dinkel, PhD University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE
School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
Physical Activity and Health Promotion Lab
ABSTRACT
RESULTS
RESULTS
Background: In Nebraska just over 14% of mothers have reported feeling down or always depressed during the first year after the birth of their child. Research shows that many women who exhibit signs or symptoms of depression will not seek out help from a professional, with even fewer willing to go on medication. Thus, it is important to examine the current organizations mothers utilize and these organization’s resources for meeting the needs of mothers in the Omaha community. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore service providers’ (e.g., community organizations) perceptions of the needs of pregnant and postpartum women and how their organization can address these needs. Methods: One hundred fifty-nine service providers completed an online questionnaire comprised of 15 questions regarding the type of support and services (or lack there of) offered by their organization to mothers’ in the Omaha area, as well as the perceived needs of mothers. Data were analyzed via IBM SPSS 22 statistical software. Results: Service providers primarily reported a need for maternal support and education and that these are among the primary services and objectives of their respective organizations. However, service providers identified education and mental health care/well-being as the two greatest gaps in services provided to mothers’ in the Omaha community. Conclusion: Results suggest that service providers believe there is room for improvement within community organizations regarding availability of the resources mothers need to improve their well-being.
INTRODUCTION
Approximately 14-24% of women struggle with depression during pregnancy. Factors contributing to risk of depression during pregnancy include, but are not limited to, lack of support from family and friends, and anxiety about pregnancy. Unfortunately, mothers who exhibit depressive symptoms during pregnancy are at an increased risk of postpartum depression. Currently, 1 in 7 mothers in Nebraska have reported feelings of sadness, hopelessness or persistent depressive symptoms during the first year postpartum. Furthermore, mothers experiencing postpartum depression are less likely to engage in healthy parenting behaviors or seek out professional assistance. With increasing incidences of maternal health issues, it is of great importance to not only examine current resources provided by community organizations, but also understand service providers’ beliefs about the greatest gaps and needs pertaining to maternal well-being.
METHODS
Discussion
159 service providers from community organizations in and around the Omaha area who work with women who are pregnant and/or up to one-year postpartum completed a survey encompassing questions related to maternal support services, gaps in services, and extent of support provided by their organization.
Survey results were analyzed and descriptive statistics were ran using IBM SPSS 22 statistical software.
Results provide preliminary evidence that service providers believe community organizations around the Omaha area may need assistance to address the needs of mothers. Service providers indicated that lack of support and education were the greatest problems and gaps in services provided to mothers but these variables were also among the top services provided by their organizations. Importantly, most service providers felt their organization should be active in addressing pre/post natal mental health; however, service providers indicated that their organization needs outside help to properly address this topic. It is important to note that this is sample was primarily composed of health services (government, hospital, breastfeeding consultation) service providers from the Omaha area, thus additional efforts are needed to understand the perceptions/resources of other sectors who interact with pre- and post-natal mothers. Future research should examine mothers perspectives of their needs and their access of existing resources.