Healthy Moms and Babies Preventive Psychological Intervention Application: A Study Protocol

Area of Science:

• Perinatal mental health
• Digital health interventions
• Psychological disorder prevention

Background:

• Postpartum depression is a prevalent issue affecting mothers, infants, and families.
• Pregnant women face barriers to seeking mental health support, including lack of knowledge and resources.
• E-health interventions offer a scalable solution to overcome these barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of the Healthy Moms and Babies app in preventing postpartum depressive symptoms.
• To evaluate the app's effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms during the perinatal period.
• To understand user engagement and identify areas for improvement in the e-health tool.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial design was employed.
• Participants used the Healthy Moms and Babies app, with a control group receiving standard care.
• Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7) were used for outcome measurement.

Main Results:

• The study measured differences in PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores between groups at multiple postpartum time points.
• Analysis focused on the app's impact on depressive and anxious symptomatology.
• Findings will inform the app's utility and potential modifications.

Conclusions:

• The Healthy Moms and Babies app may serve as an effective e-health resource for perinatal mental health.
• The study provides insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of digital interventions for preventing postpartum mood disorders.
• Results will guide future iterations and implementation of the Healthy Moms and Babies application.