Mother-Well: A qualitative co-design study exploring quality of life in post-natal mothers from ethnic minority groups living with multiple long-term conditions

One in four UK primary care patients has multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) with increased risk among the global majority (i.e., Non-white).1 MLTCs are linked with age, and disproportionately affect women under 65, particularly in deprived areas.2 Those with severe mental illnesses, especially people aged 15-34, are more likely to develop MLTCs.3 MLTCs research focusses on older adults. Underrepresented groups that do not fit the ‘typical’ profile – such as post-natal women from ethnic minority and socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds– are excluded, perpetuating a gap in MLTCs research.4 The post-natal period (pregnancy to 12-24 months after birth) is a complex time marked by physical, emotional, and social changes, which are further complicated by the presence of MLTCs.5 Risk factors, including ethnicity, migration status, language barriers, and social isolation, exacerbate post-natal mental health.5 Nature-based interventions (NBI) demonstrate health benefits, lowering stress, social isolation, and depression.6,7.8,9 Green Social Prescribing, funded by NHS England, connects patients to structured nature-based programmes.10 While programme effectiveness has been established for depression, research in post-natal mental health with MLTCs is lacking. The project explores 1) quality of life to inform our current NIHR Team Science award, and 2) how nature-based interventions may improve QoL for diverse post-natal women with MLTCs.