An Internet-Based Intervention (Mamma Mia) for Postpartum Depression: Mapping the Development from Theory to Practice

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Digital Health

Background:

• Postpartum depression affects 10-15% of new mothers.
• The Mamma Mia intervention was developed to prevent depressive symptoms and improve well-being in pregnant and postpartum women.
• It also aims to support the transition to motherhood through knowledge and resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically describe the rationale and development of the Mamma Mia intervention.
• To detail the application of the Intervention Mapping protocol in creating the program.
• To provide a clear link between theory, evidence, and program content.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the 6-step Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol.
• Included needs assessment, defining change objectives, selecting theoretical methods and strategies.
• Planned program components, adoption, implementation, and evaluation.

Main Results:

• Mamma Mia is an automated, individual internet intervention for computers, tablets, and smartphones.
• It runs from gestational week 18-24 to 6 months postpartum, guiding users step-by-step.
• The program combines text, images, audio, and user input, targeting risk factors like attachment and social support.

Conclusions:

• The Intervention Mapping process clarified the rationale for Mamma Mia.
• It successfully linked theories and empirical evidence to the intervention's content.
• This detailed description can inform future intervention development and systematic reviews.