About the Project

This study explored how parents in the Nipissing District were affected by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also looked at how well health and social service providers recognized, screened for, and treated these conditions, highlighting areas where support could be improved.

Methodology

Two anonymous surveys were used:

• Birth parents who may have experienced PMADs – this survey aimed to understand parents’ experiences with PMADs and assess access to PMAD-related support services.

• Health and social service providers who supported these parents – this survey aimed to explore provider knowledge, screening, and treatment practices.

45 birth parents completed the parent survey and 11 providers responded to the service provider survey.

The surveys combined open-ended questions and multiple-choice questions. The research team analyzed these responses to identify service gaps and ways to better support parents. These findings were then shared with the Nipissing Parry Sound PMAD Committee, a group of local health and social service professionals working to improve community care.

Findings

Parent Survey Findings:

• Parents’ Birth and Pregnancy Characteristics - Of the 45 participants, 71% had a live birth between February 2020 and May 2022. Most had a partner present (91%), and 38% had high-risk pregnancies. 18% had babies who needed NICU care. Over half (58%) were first-time parents, and 51% said their pregnancy was unplanned.

• Participant Mental Health History – 76% had a history of mental health diagnoses, 18% had been hospitalized for a mood disorder, and 53% had previously considered self-harm.

• Access to and Perceived Need for Mental Health Support – Most participants were asked about their mental health by a provider, with 49% asked both before and after birth. While 29% felt a need for support prenatally and 64% postnatally, only 42% were offered services. 38% sought out and received support on their own.

• Emotional and Practical Support from Partners – One-third felt they lacked adequate emotional support from their partner during pregnancy or postpartum. Most partners (64%) were working full-time at the time. While 44% of respondents managed the household, 47% shared baby care with their partner and among those with other children, 24% shared that care.

• PMAD Treatment and Wait Times – 44% received PMAD treatment: 13% had both therapy and medication, 13% had therapy only, and 11% had medication only. Among those offered or who sought support, 38% accessed it within a month, while 29% waited 1–6 months and 33% waited over 6 months.

• Planned Pregnancy Not Linked to PMAD Support Needs; Income Is – Whether the pregnancy was planned had no impact on perceived need for PMAD support. However, higher household income was moderately linked to greater perceived need for support.

• Postpartum Support Challenges During COVID-19 – Parents, especially single mothers, felt isolated and/or excluded due to limited access to programs and support during appointments. Parents called for more holistic postpartum care, better education on perinatal mental health, and improved continuity between providers.

Service Provider Survey Findings:

• Services Offered and Language Accessibility – All providers offered prenatal and postnatal services: 2 offered both health and social services, 6 offered only healthcare, and 3 only social services. Only one provider offered services in French, with one other offering translation—highlighting limited French-language accessibility.

• Provider PMAD Screening and Management – Seven providers reported screening patients for PMADs, and nine had received PMAD-related training. Two offered comprehensive care (medication, non-medication treatments, and referrals), three offered non-medication treatments and referrals, three only provided referrals, two offered none, and one did not respond.

• Lack of Coordination and Clarity Among Providers – Many providers worked independently and were unaware of the services, funding, or capacities of other organizations. This lack of coordination created confusion about what supports, and education were available in the community, making it difficult to identify remaining gaps.

Project Outreach

The work remains localized to the Nipissing District, as the findings are specific to that community. Potential follow-up projects are under consideration and will be explored in collaboration with the community partner table.

Resources Created

• Executive Report for community partner table (Nipissing Parry Sound Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder Committee).

• Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder Report – Project Infographic.