Advisor Information
Danae Dinkel
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
3-3-2017 12:30 PM
End Date
3-3-2017 1:45 PM
Abstract
Background: In Nebraska just over 14% of mothers have reported feeling down or always depressed during the first year after the birth of their child. Research shows that many women who exhibit signs or symptoms of depression will not seek out help from a professional, with even fewer willing to go on medication. Thus, it is important to examine the current organizations mothers utilize and these organization’s resources for meeting the needs of mothers in the Omaha community. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore service providers’ (e.g., community organizations) perceptions of the needs of pregnant and postpartum women and how their organization can address these needs. Methods: One hundred fifty-nine service providers completed an online questionnaire comprised of 15 questions regarding the type of support and services (or lack there of) offered by their organization to mothers’ in the Omaha area, as well as the perceived needs of mothers. Data were analyzed via IBM SPSS 22 statistical software. Results: Service providers primarily reported a need for maternal support and education and that these are among the primary services and objectives of their respective organizations. However, service providers identified education and mental health care/well-being as the two greatest gaps in services provided to mothers’ in the Omaha community. Conclusion: Results suggest that service providers believe there is room for improvement within community organizations regarding availability of the resources mothers need to improve their well-being.
A Needs Assessment of Omaha Service Providers to Better Understand Maternal Well-Being
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Background: In Nebraska just over 14% of mothers have reported feeling down or always depressed during the first year after the birth of their child. Research shows that many women who exhibit signs or symptoms of depression will not seek out help from a professional, with even fewer willing to go on medication. Thus, it is important to examine the current organizations mothers utilize and these organization’s resources for meeting the needs of mothers in the Omaha community. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore service providers’ (e.g., community organizations) perceptions of the needs of pregnant and postpartum women and how their organization can address these needs. Methods: One hundred fifty-nine service providers completed an online questionnaire comprised of 15 questions regarding the type of support and services (or lack there of) offered by their organization to mothers’ in the Omaha area, as well as the perceived needs of mothers. Data were analyzed via IBM SPSS 22 statistical software. Results: Service providers primarily reported a need for maternal support and education and that these are among the primary services and objectives of their respective organizations. However, service providers identified education and mental health care/well-being as the two greatest gaps in services provided to mothers’ in the Omaha community. Conclusion: Results suggest that service providers believe there is room for improvement within community organizations regarding availability of the resources mothers need to improve their well-being.