Integration of a maternal psychosocial well-being component into a early child-development intervention

Zafar, Shamsa Integration of a maternal psychosocial well-being component into a early child-development intervention. PhD thesis, University of Liverpool.

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Abstract

Maternal psychosocial well-being (MPW) is a comprehensive concept that covers the psychological (e.g., depression, distress, anxiety, coping, mental health,) and social (e.g., family and community support, empowerment, relationships, culture) aspects of motherhood. High rates of poor maternal mental health, with maternal depression the most prevalent condition, have been reported in the low and middle income countries, including Pakistan. Though evidence based interventions exist to address maternal depression, these have not been translated into policy because of various implementation barriers. Integration of these interventions into existing maternal and child health (MCH) programmes has been suggested as a strategy to provide accessible care to mothers. In the current study we developed and integrated a cognitive behavioural therapy–based MPW intervention (the 5 pillars approach) into a child nutrition and development program. Following qualitative research with community health workers (CHWs) and families, CHWs were trained in (1) empathic listening, (2) family engagement, (3) guided discovery using pictures, (4) behavioural activation, and (5) problem solving. A qualitative feasibility study in one area demonstrated that CHWs were able to apply these skills effectively to their work, and the approach was found to be useful by CHWs and mothers. This work provides vital information on the lessons learnt in the implementation of a maternal psychosocial wellbeing intervention for universal use. The facilitating factors included mothers being the central focus of the intervention, utilizing existing local CHWs whom the mothers trust, simple training and regular supervision, and an approach that facilitates, and does not add, to the CHWs’ work.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Additional Information:	Date: 2014-10-12 (completed)
Subjects:	?? RA0421 ??
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	12 Aug 2015 09:28
Last Modified:	17 Dec 2022 01:06
DOI:	10.17638/02006628
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/2006628