Perinatal anxiety and depression: Awareness and attitudes in Australia

Abstract

Background: Better community mental health literacy is associated with positive help-seeking behaviours and reduced stigma. There are relatively few published surveys of perinatal mental health literacy. Aims: To provide a profile of current awareness, knowledge and attitudes in relation to the mental health of women and men in the perinatal period. Method: A cross-sectional online survey (n = 1,201) of adults (⩾ 18 years) in each state and territory of Australia was conducted in early 2016. Survey questions were based on a previous 2009 survey, with the addition of several novel items designed to assess knowledge around both perinatal anxiety and men’s perinatal mental health. Results: Depr..