Effects of Two Group Prenatal Care Interventions on Mental Health: An RCT

Area of Science:

• Perinatal mental health
• Behavioral interventions
• Group prenatal care

Background:

• Perinatal depression and anxiety incur significant costs and adverse outcomes.
• Barriers limit access to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for pregnant individuals.
• CBT is a proven therapy for these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of a CBT-based intervention on pregnant individuals' anxiety, depression, stress, and healthy lifestyle.
• To compare a CBT-based program with standard health promotion content within group prenatal care.

Main Methods:

• A 2-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted within group prenatal care.
• Participants (n=299) were Black and Hispanic individuals screened high for mental health issues.
• Intervention involved a CBT-based program (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) or health promotion, delivered by advanced practice nurses.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were found between the CBT and health promotion groups for anxiety, depression, stress, or healthy beliefs/behaviors.
• Significant improvements were observed in all measures over time for both groups.
• Anxiety, depression, and stress decreased, while healthy beliefs and behaviors increased from baseline to intervention end.

Conclusions:

• Both CBT and health promotion content, when delivered in group prenatal care by advanced practice nurses, effectively improved mental health and healthy lifestyle beliefs and behaviors.
• These improvements occurred during a period when perinatal mood typically worsens.