Web-Based Intervention for Postpartum Depression: Formative Research and Design of the MomMoodBooster Program

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Behavioral Science
• Digital Health
• Women's Health

Background:

• Postpartum depression affects about 13% of women globally.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a proven psychosocial treatment for postpartum depression.
• Web-based CBT interventions show promise for various mental health conditions, but haven't been specifically evaluated for postpartum depression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the formative research and development process for a novel web-based intervention targeting postpartum depression symptoms.
• To outline the design, architecture, and key components of the MomMoodBooster program.

Main Methods:

• Formative research involved 17 focus group participants and 22 usability testers representative of the target population.
• Participants provided feedback on program structure, content, and web page mock-ups through thought questions and discussions.
• Usability testing utilized a think-aloud technique and the System Usability Scale to evaluate user interaction with program features.

Main Results:

• Qualitative and quantitative data indicated largely positive reactions from new mothers to the intervention's core features.
• Usability testing demonstrated that the program's features performed well in terms of user-friendliness.
• Iterative adjustments were made based on participant feedback to refine the program.

Conclusions:

• The MomMoodBooster program integrates 6 core CBT sessions with innovative features.
• Key supplementary components include a partner's website, a resource library, and personalized coach feedback.
• The developed intervention is designed to effectively ameliorate postpartum depression symptoms through accessible digital delivery.