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Kaupapa Māori approaches to maternal mental health

Year:
2022
Duration:
36 months
Approved budget:
$263,405.00
Researchers:
Ms Cara Meredith
,
Associate Professor Cameron Lacey
Health issue:
Mental health (and sleep disorders)
Proposal type:
Māori Health Clinical Training Fellowship
Lay summary
In Aotearoa, mental health statistics for Māori wāhine highlight disparities in both engagement and outcomes. Māori wāhine experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and maternal suicide. Urgent recommendations from the He Ara Oranga report, the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Committee, and working group for maternal mental health include improvement of services to ensure they are culturally appropriate and responsive to wāhine Māori, the development of culturally appropriate maternal mental health screening tools and treatment, and that health investment prioritises populations that would benefit most such as ngā māmā Māori. This research will investigate the experiences of Māori whānau of maternal mental health distress and explore how kaupapa Māori approaches and practices can improve maternal mental health outcomes for Māori māmā. A secondary aim of this research will be to develop an indigenous screening and assessment tool specific to Māori maternal mental health.