Perinatal Mental Health in Women of Refugee Background

Around the time of giving birth, women from refugee backgrounds have a high risk of mental health issues, due to refugee experiences and stressors of resettlement. Mental health screening in pregnancy is recommended yet remains a common evidence-practice gap. My PhD generated new knowledge about mental health conditions in global adult, child, and adolescent refugee populations. It also investigated the use of screening measures during pregnancy for women of refugee background and how mental health screening can be built into standard pregnancy care. This knowledge will contribute to improved pregnancy and mental health care in Victoria and more widely.