Evaluation of specific offers for mothers with mental stress

Abstract Background As part of the Austrian early intervention programme ‘Frühe Hilfen’, specific interventions (a psychotherapeutic short-term intervention and a therapeutic group) were implemented in some regions. An evaluation was carried out to gain general insights into the need for and benefits of psychosocial services as well as in-depth information on the benefits of the two selected services. The results of the project should also enable further conclusions/recommendations for appropriate services. Methods Mixed-methods approach: qualitative (focus groups, individual interviews, online surveys, participant observation) and quantitative (screening questionnaires) instruments involving a large number of relevant stakeholders and actors. Data analysis: content-structuring qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz; descriptive analysis of the screening questionnaires. Results The analysis revealed a great need for specific psychosocial services for this target group as well as a high level of satisfaction with the psychosocial services utilised. However, all respondents pointed out barriers to the utilisation of psychosocial services. The evaluation results show that the two specific services make an important contribution to improving the well-being of mothers with mental health problems. Both services largely reach their target group well and, thanks to their focus, contribute to the well-being of mothers with mental health problems. The effectiveness of the service is underpinned by the fact that all participants perceive a reduction in mental stress and notice a reduction in stress during the screenings. Conclusions Based on the evaluation results, it is generally recommended that low-threshold, free and needs-based services be established or expanded. In addition, there is a need for more educational and public relations work on psychosocial stress/diseases and more information on support services. Key messages • There is a great need for psychosocial support among mothers. • The high level of satisfaction with the services evaluated indicates that more such services are needed to support families.