Exploring the acceptability of the Kimberley Mum’s Mood Scale for perinatal mental health screening in Gove District Hospital, North-East Arnhem Land

Objective: Across Australia perinatal mental health challenges disproportionately impact Aboriginal women. Identifying Aboriginal women at risk of adverse mental health outcomes in the perinatal period is an important step in supporting their overall health and wellness. Current screening tools have significant limitations when used with Aboriginal women. The Kimberley Mums Mood Scale (KMMS) is a culturally secure approach to screening for perinatal mental health disorders in Aboriginal women. It has been validated in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and may be able to improve mental health screening in other regions. In this study the KMMS was trialled at a District Hospital in Arnhem Land, on the lands of the Yolngu Aboriginal people, in the Northern Territory, Australia. Methods: This study used a mixed methods approach to exploring acceptability. Aboriginal women who consented to perinatal mental health screening with the KMMS provided anonymous feedback on the tool via a questionnaire. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with health care professionals were also conducted. Results: Yolngu women and their health care professionals found that using the KMMS was acceptable and preferable to the current screening tool. Both groups of participants identified the KMMS provided better opportunities for engagement and discussion around perinatal mental health. Barriers with appropriate follow up therapeutic support services were also noted. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the KMMS is likely acceptable for use amongst Yolngu women. This study supports expansion of the use of the KMMS to include women from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.