Comparative Analysis of Mental Health-Related Factors in Maternal Care in Italy, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland

Objectives
The mental health of pregnant and postpartum women has gained attention due to increasing number of cases of depression and anxiety in these groups. Screening, providing support, and evaluating the impact of maternal care on psychological well-being are crucial for mothers and children. This study assessed whether healthcare professionals (HCPs) addressed mental well-being and offered further in Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.

Materials and Methods
Women aged 18+ who gave birth in healthcare facilities in Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland between January 2022 and December 2023 participated in the IMAgiNE EURO study via a validated questionnaire. The study examined maternal and newborn care quality, including whether HCPs screened for mental well-being and whether birth experiences affected psychological health.

Results
From 21,221 responses (18,190 Italy, 889 Latvia, 850 Lithuania, 1,292 Poland), emotional challenges during childbirth were least reported in Lithuania (2.2%) and most in Latvia (5.4%), Poland (5.3%), and Italy (3.7%). Positive birth experiences were highest in Latvia (51.3%) and lowest in Poland (41.7%).
In Poland only 28.3% reported absence of mental health screening, while in Italy (49.8%), Latvia (60.0%), and Lithuania (64.0%) women weren’t screend. Alarmingly, 39.1% of women in Latvia, 38.0% in Lithuania, and 35.2% in Poland reported symptoms of depression or anxiety and didn’t receive adequate support during pregnancy or postpartum.

Conclusions
The study reveals disparities in maternal mental health care. Poland leads in proactive psychological support, while Latvia and Lithuania lag in screening and follow-up. These findings emphasize the urgency of standardizing maternal mental health practices to ensure equitable care across Europe. Addressing these gaps is essential for improving maternal and child well-being.