Could primary care records be used to identify women at risk of perinatal anxiety? A mixed-methods study

Perinatal anxiety (PNA) occurs throughout the antenatal period or up to 1 year after childbirth, with a prevalence of 21%.

To investigate if primary care records could be used to identify women at 'higher risk' of PNA.

Mixed-methods approach using quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data analysis used Clinical Practice Research Datalink and IQVIA Medical Research Data to identify risk factors for PNA. Interviews explored the lived experiences of women with PNA about predisposing factors for PNA and acceptability of being informed of risk; and perspectives of primary healthcare professionals and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise practitioners about risk communication. Interviews were conducted online, digitally recorded with consent, transcribed, and anonymised prior to analysis. Data were thematically analysed. Patient and clinical advisory groups informed each stage of the research.

Women reflected on both positive and negative impacts of being identified at higher risk of PNA, a lack of understanding of how primary care records are used, and who has access to them. All interview participants suggested predisposing factors that would not be coded in primary care records. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that some predisposing factors for PNA can be identified in a woman's primary care records. Initial analysis suggests associations between PNA and infant health and healthcare use.

While identification of higher risk of PNA may be acceptable, some factors that may contribute to PNA are not coded in primary care records. Identifying and managing PNA is needed to improve infant health.