Accessing Mental Health Care Among Pregnant Teenagers in Nunavut, Canada - Factors that Act as Barriers and Enablers; a systematic review

Abstract

Not only does research convey that young mothers face multidimensional issues, but many scholars and the World Health Organization describe teenage pregnancy as a risk for both the mother and the child (WHO, 2016). Understandings of teenage pregnancy are nuanced, and different thoughts exist on both the negative and positive psychological and social outcomes for both the mother and the baby of teenage pregnancy within Canada. Pregnant Teenagers in Nunavut specifically face unique challenges that are different from the majority of Canada, such as the long-term effects of colonialism and colonial legacy systems, geographical isolation, extreme climates, and lack of accessibility to health care centres. Research has explored the mental health challenges faced by this population, but there remains a gap in understanding the factors that influence pregnant teenagers' access to mental health care services. This systematic review aims to answer the question: What factors serve as barriers or enablers for pregnant teenagers seeking mental health care in Nunavut? It is important to do research with and for Inuit pregnant teenagers in Nunavut that recognizes how the long-term consequences of colonialism and intergenerational trauma is critical to addressing the mental health needs and experiences of this population.