A Group Videoconferencing Intervention (C@nnected) to Improve Maternal Sensitivity: Protocol for a Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Perinatal mental health
• Maternal-infant interaction
• eHealth interventions

Background:

• Early childhood development hinges on sensitive caregiving, with interventions improving parental sensitivity proving effective.
• The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted maternal mental health and sensitivity, necessitating remote support solutions.
• Maternal sensitivity is crucial for infant development, yet face-to-face interventions are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the C@nnected videoconferencing intervention.
• To assess the intervention's impact on maternal sensitivity in mother-infant dyads.
• To explore the intervention's potential in vulnerable populations within primary healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• A randomized feasibility study with a qualitative component and single-masked outcome assessor.
• Intervention group received 4 group videoconferencing sessions; control group received usual care and brochures.
• Feasibility, acceptability, maternal sensitivity, depressive symptoms, maternal attachment, and infant socioemotional development were assessed.

Main Results:

• The C@nnected intervention was adapted for videoconferencing by July 2021.
• Study recruitment commenced in August 2021, with enrollment concluding in August 2022.
• Final study results are anticipated by December 2022.

Conclusions:

• The study will provide evidence on the efficacy of eHealth interventions for enhancing maternal sensitivity.
• Results will inform the design and implementation of a future large-scale randomized clinical trial.
• This research addresses the need for accessible remote interventions supporting maternal mental health and sensitivity.