(PS6-70) Intersectional Health Narratives: BIPOC Experiences with Perinatal Mental Health and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract Text: Emerging studies indicate that perinatal mental health disorders are a public health concern in the United States, especially among Black, Indigenous, and persons of color (BIPOC) and among people who are diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The currently available research is limited in addressing the perinatal healthcare disparity and challenges faced by BIPOC-birthing people with PCOS. This reflexive thematic analysis aimed to provide a contextualized understanding of the lived experiences, needs, challenges, and protective factors of BIPOC-birthing people with PCOS and perinatal mental health concerns. Participants were recruited through social media platforms and snowball sampling. Semi-structured one-on-one Zoom interviews lasting 30-45 minutes were conducted with eligible participants until saturation was met. A total of 11 interviews were included in the sample, and respondents were, on average 30 years of age with 30,000 to 60,000 yearly income and identified as Black/African American (91%). Approximately 54% of the respondents reported having at least one pre- and post-pregnancy mental health diagnosis. Seven themes were identified, revealing multilevel interactions of systemic, relational, individual, and physiological risks, barriers, and protective factors, consistent with Health Equity Framework. Themes include economic and logistical factors, medical mistrust, awareness gaps in care, sociocultural pressure, psychological struggles and repercussions, maternal resource ecosystem, and proactive health engagement. Data underscore the interplay of PCOS and mental health stigma and biases, patient and provider knowledge gaps, and deeply rooted systemic inequities manifesting through medical mistrust, discrimination, invalidation, and lack of culturally responsive care. Findings shed light on BIPOC birthing people’s cumulative burden of navigating PCOS, perinatal mental health, and intersecting identities in healthcare spaces. The results of this study point to a need for a shift to community-centered perinatal healthcare grounded in lived experiences, relational support, and holistic health integration.