"Breaking the cycle": a qualitative study exploring General Practitioners’ views of infant mental health

De Natale, A., Hall, S., McFadyen, A., Minnis, H. and Blane, D. N. (2023) "Breaking the cycle": a qualitative study exploring General Practitioners’ views of infant mental health. BJGP Open, (doi: 10.3399/BJGPO.2023.0009) (PMID:37263743) (In Press)

Abstract

Background: Infants living in areas of socioeconomic deprivation are more likely to have adverse childhood experiences 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. Aim: To understand the views and experiences of general practitioners (GPs) working in socioeconomically deprived areas in relation to IMH. Design and setting: Qualitative study with GPs working in deprived urban communities in Scotland, UK. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 GPs from 11 practices. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed, following the Braun and Clarke framework, using NVIVO12 software. Results: Three overarching themes are presented; 1) GPs’ inherent understanding of IMH due to their placement in deprived communities and their under-recognised role in current IMH provision; 2) GP perspectives of community understanding of IMH, including the potential associations of IMH with parental blame or judgement in areas of socioeconomic deprivation; and 3) GP views on current and future IMH services, particularly improving on current shortcomings of connectivity and accessibility of services, to develop successful new services. Conclusion: GPs in areas of socioeconomic deprivation have a deep understanding of the issues affecting infant mental health, though 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 amongst GPs and other primary healthcare professionals.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This project was funded by the University of Glasgow and the Scottish Government.
• Status: In Press
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Blane, Dr David and Minnis, Professor Helen and McFadyen, Anne
• Authors: De Natale, A., Hall, S., McFadyen, A., Minnis, H., and Blane, D. N.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: BJGP Open
• Publisher: Royal College of General Practitioners
• ISSN: 2398-3795
• ISSN (Online): 2398-3795
• Published Online: 01 June 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in BJGP Open 2023
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License