'Breaking the cycle': a qualitative study exploring general practitioners’ views of infant mental health

Abstract

BackgroundInfants living in areas of socioeconomic deprivation are more likely to have adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which are associated with infant mental health (IMH) problems and poor physical and mental health outcomes throughout the life course. As part of the development of IMH services in Scotland, studies are being conducted to explore various stakeholders’ perspectives.AimTo understand the views and experiences of GPs working in socioeconomically deprived areas in relation to IMH.Design & settingQualitative study with GPs working in deprived urban communities in Scotland, UK.MethodSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 GPs from 11 practices. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed, following the Braun and Clarke framework, using NVivo (version 12) software.ResultsThe following three overarching themes are presented: (1) Deep End GPs’ inherent understanding of IMH, owing to their placement in deprived communities and their under-recognised role in current IMH provision; (2) Factors influencing how communities might perceive IMH, including the potential associations of IMH with parental blame or judgement in areas of socioeconomic deprivation; and (3) Using previous experience to visualise future IMH service delivery, particularly improving on current shortcomings of connectivity and accessibility of services, to develop successful new services.ConclusionGPs in areas of socioeconomic deprivation have a deep understanding of the issues affecting IMH, although do not necessarily relate to the term ‘IMH’. New community-based IMH services are much needed, particularly in deprived areas. However, the pre-existing role of primary care must be recognised, supported, and integrated into new services, alongside training to increase IMH awareness among GPs and other primary healthcare professionals (HCPs).