Research themes and projects at the Centre for Womens Health, Gender and Society
Project title
Development of a program of psychosocial services to improve the mental health of Iraqi women attending the Royal Women’s Hospital
Major research theme
Other themes
Investigators
- Dr Rosemary Schwarz, CL Psychiatry, The Royal Women’s Hospital
- A/Prof Jane Fisher, CWHGS, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne
- A/Prof Harry Minas, Centre for International Mental Health, The University of Melbourne
Funding
- Beyondblue, 2004-2005, $50,000
Summary
Iraqi women presenting to the Royal Women’s Hospital for obstetric care are known to have high rates of psychosocial difficulties and to be at increased risk of poor mental health. A new two-component program to supplement routine antenatal and intrapartum care and improve the mental health of Iraqi women during pregnancy is being planned. The aim of this project is to evaluate the acceptability to Iraqi women; their husbands and hospital staff of the planned new program.