فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Background: Perinatal psychological problems have substantial implications for the health of both mothers and infants. Assessing mental health needs during pregnancy is crucial for informing effective planning and interventions to support maternal well-being. Given the complex and deeply personal nature of these experiences, qualitative approaches are particularly valuable for capturing mothers’ nuanced perceptions and unmet needs.Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the mental health needs of Iranian women during pregnancy.Methods: This qualitative content analysis was conducted in Kermanshah city between April and June 2022. Eleven pregnant women were purposively selected to achieve maximum variation and participated in semi-structured interviews. Data collection continued until saturation was reached, defined as the point when no new codes emerged. Trustworthiness was ensured by addressing credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability, following established criteria for qualitative research. Data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s five-step conventional content analysis approach, conducted concurrently with data collection and sampling. All data were managed and organized using MAXQDA software.Results: Analysis yielded five primary themes: 1) Psycho-spiritual needs (5 categories: peace, love, stress reduction, being understood, and alleviation of fear regarding life-threatening contagious diseases, including spiritual needs). 2) Supportive communications (4 categories: interpersonal communication, the exclusive role of the husband, the role of family and friends, and interactions with healthcare providers). 3) Knowledge and skills (3 categories: awareness-raising, training and guidance, and access to sufficient, reliable informational resources). 4) Socioeconomic welfare (3 categories: socioeconomic requirements, the societal perception of pregnancy, and attention to pregnancy-specific needs). 5) Professional services (3 categories: professional consultation, quality care, and availability of adequately trained specialized personnel).Conclusion: This study highlights five overarching dimensions of maternal mental health needs, underscoring the essential contributions of both family members and healthcare providers in addressing these needs. Tailored interventions that integrate psycho-spiritual support, effective communication, educational resources, socioeconomic support, and professional services may enhance perinatal well-being.