Objective: Across Australia perinatal mental health challenges disproportionately impact Aboriginal
women. Identifying Aboriginal women at risk of adverse mental health outcomes in the perinatal period is
an important step in supporting their overall health and wellness. Current screening tools have significant
limitations when used with Aboriginal women.
The Kimberley Mums Mood Scale (KMMS) is a culturally secure approach to screening for perinatal
mental health disorders in Aboriginal women. It has been validated in the Kimberley region of Western
Australia and may be able to improve mental health screening in other regions. In this study the KMMS
was trialled at a District Hospital in Arnhem Land, on the lands of the Yolngu Aboriginal people, in the
Northern Territory, Australia.
Methods: This study used a mixed methods approach to exploring acceptability. Aboriginal women who
consented to perinatal mental health screening with the KMMS provided anonymous feedback on the tool
via a questionnaire. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with health care professionals were also
conducted.
Results: Yolngu women and their health care professionals found that using the KMMS was acceptable
and preferable to the current screening tool. Both groups of participants identified the KMMS provided
better opportunities for engagement and discussion around perinatal mental health. Barriers with
appropriate follow up therapeutic support services were also noted.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the KMMS is likely acceptable for use amongst Yolngu
women. This study supports expansion of the use of the KMMS to include women from diverse
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.