Community-identified priorities for parenting and parental mental health in coastal Ghana: Formative insights to shape a multi-component intervention

Interventions that combine parenting support with parental mental health components hold promise for enhancing child and family well-being. Yet, few integrate robust mental health strategies or draw on formative research to ensure contextual and cultural relevance. We conducted qualitative research in Ghana to explore local experiences of parenting and parental mental health to inform the development of a multi-component intervention. We conducted 31 in-depth interviews and 6 focus group discussions with 83 parents, nonparental caregivers, and community members across three districts in southern Ghana. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns. Participants highlighted facilitators and barriers to engagement in positive parenting practices and supporting mental health. Maintaining a positive couple's relationship, financial stability, awareness of appropriate disciplinary methods, and participation in religious and social gatherings facilitated positive parenting. Barriers included financial difficulties, limited time with children due to work, and lack of paternal involvement. Supporting parental mental health was facilitated by religious engagement, financial stability, and strong social support, whereas financial difficulties, social isolation, rigid gender norms, and lack of access to mental health services were barriers. All parents and nonparental caregivers expressed interest in attending a parenting and mental health support program, highlighting the need for community-based support. Our results highlight the need for culturally relevant multi-component strategies that reflect local needs. Findings will inform the design of a multi-component parenting and parental mental health intervention to improve child and family well-being.