Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore prevalence of perinatal mental health conditions among Multiracial women in the United States compared to Monoracial Minority and Monoracial Majority women. METHODS: We analyzed Medicaid claims data from 2016-2020 for 1,863,150 delivering women across 30 states, focusing on those with continuous enrollment from nine months prior to delivery to three months postpartum. We categorized women as Multiracial (two or more races), Monoracial Majority, Monoracial Minority, and Hispanic. RESULTS: Multiracial women compared to Monoracial Minority women demonstrated higher rates of mental health conditions. Multiracial women were 16% less likely than Monoracial Majority (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.79-0.89) and 45% more likely than Monoracial Minority (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.34-1.56) to have a perinatal depression diagnosis. Multiracial women had higher suicidal ideation diagnoses compared to both Monoracial Minority and Monoracial Majority women. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight disparities in perinatal mental health conditions among Multiracial female Medicaid beneficiaries. POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Researchers and policymakers should work further to address the unique mental health needs of perinatal Multiracial women, with an emphasis on addressing suicidal ideation.