Clinicians’ perspectives of managing common mental disorders among pregnant women in primary care settings: a qualitative exploratory study

Background: Primary antenatal care providers are seen as instrumental in shaping healthy pregnancy outcomes. However, there are organizational and system-level barriers that hinder the needed support for mental health care among pregnant women and there remains a dearth of research exploring the specific challenges and opportunities encountered by clinicians in providing mental health support to pregnant women with common mental disorders (CMDs) in the prenatal period. Aim: This study explored clinicians’ (obstetric providers) perspectives in managing CMDs among women during the prenatal period. Methods: This study employed a qualitative exploratory design. Twelve interviews were conducted with clinicians (doctors and midwives) working in primary care settings, guided by a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Managing CMDs in pregnancy was described as not a priority as illustrated in five categories: many warning signs, relying on own experiences, no time, overwhelmed in a role, and working with families. Conclusions: This study's findings suggest that primary healthcare obstetric practice does not have the required training in mental health among clinicians to screen and treat for CMDs in pregnant women in Ghana. Therefore, healthcare facilities must prioritize the integration of mental health services within routine obstetric care, ensuring that pregnant women have access to comprehensive mental health interventions alongside their routine antenatal care.