National guidelines recommend that all women are screened for signs and risk factors of mental health conditions during the perinatal period. This report brings together the latest perinatal mental health screening data in 2022 from 4 state and territory health authorities and how these vary by maternal characteristics and behaviours, birth settings, and birth outcomes. For the first time, analysis of models of care provided to women in Queensland and detailed antenatal mental health and family violence risk factor screening data from New South Wales public health services are presented. Further, it describes how efforts to improve reporting and targeted initiatives that improve outcomes for mothers and their families may be possible through data development and integration opportunities.
- Cat. no: PER 124
Key findings
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Currently, there are no national data about perinatal mental health screening, service use or outcomes
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State and territories are continuing to make progress to implement perinatal mental health screening data items
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At least 7 in 10 women who gave birth in Qld, Tas and the ACT in 2022 received mental health screening during pregnancy
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Women are more likely to be screened if they are under 25, are First Nations women or give birth in a public hospital