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For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4. Perinatal depression is a common mental disorder regarded as a severe public health problem. Studies have shown that incorporating mental health care into primary health services that provide pregnancy care makes it easier for women to seek help for depressive symptoms. In this context, the following question is of interest: How prepared are primary health services in Mexico City that provide pregnancy and postpartum care to treat perinatal depression?
This article seeks to explore the perceptions and knowledge of perinatal depression in health professionals and analyze the barriers to its care at primary care centers in Mexico City. An exploratory study with a qualitative approach was conducted.
Doctors, nurses, social workers who provide maternal and childcare, mental health personnel, and the directors of four centers were interviewed. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis. Most primary care personnel are unaware of the Official Standard that recommends providing maternal mental health care during the perinatal period.
There is no initiative for its incorporation into routine care. Other barriers include the workload of health professionals, the division of care between professionals, and the lack of communication between the latter.
