Turkish speaking mothers in Hackney: an investigation of needs and use of health provision and a trial of a volunteer visiting scheme for first-time mothers.

The aim of the project was to assess first time Turkish spaking mothers' rating on social support which has been identified as a contributing factor to post-natal depression in addition to the bio-medical model of depression. Semi-structured interviews with participants were conducted while pregnant and after giving birth to evaluate their psychological welfare on other scales, e.g. Rosenberg’s self-esteem, and also to evaluate whether their needs are adequately met by the health services. The report concluded that Turkish speaking mothers do not exhibit social isolation and do not suffer from mental health issues.

Report of a Middlesex University/Hackney Community Psychology Research and Development project commissioned by the NHS Executive London Inner City Health and R & D Programme.