Provider Perspectives on Facilitators and Barriers to Accessible Service Provision for Immigrant Women With Postpartum Depression: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background Immigrant women are at greater risk for postpartum depression than native-born women and face multiple barriers to accessing services. Service providers themselves face challenges in delivering accessible care for immigrant women with postpartum depression. Purpose This research explored provider perspectives on facilitators and barriers providers faced in terms of providing accessible services. Methods The study used an interpretive descriptive design, shaped by an integrated knowledge user–researcher partnership. Fourteen health and social service providers participated in individual in-depth interviews. Using a socioecological framework as an organizing structure, an inductive thematic content analysis was conducted. Results Providers identified attributes that foster relationship building, including building trust, addressing power dynamics, understanding women’s experiences, enacting cultural competence, involving family members, providing adequate time, and facilitating system navigation. Organizational features shaping accessibility included assessment and treatment approaches, wait times, gate keeping, and the ability to address social health determinants. Different organizational approaches could facilitate or discourage service coordination across organizations. Finally, providers believed that health and immigration system mechanisms could work more effectively for optimal postpartum depression support. Conclusion Health service providers are critical in supporting immigrant women with postpartum depression and facilitating service accessibility. Organizational and system gaps restrict optimal postpartum depression service provision and integration.