Optimizing a Novel Smartphone App to Prevent Postpartum Depression Adapted From an Evidence-Based Cognitive...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Mental Health Interventions
• Perinatal Care

Background:

• Low-income pregnant individuals face high postpartum depression (PPD) risk.
• The Mothers and Babies (MB) program, a cognitive behavioral therapy intervention, effectively prevents PPD but requires trained personnel.
• A smartphone app (MBapp) aims to overcome personnel limitations of the MB program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize MBapp, a novel smartphone application based on the MB program.
• To incorporate qualitative end-user feedback for enhancing the app's design and functionality.

Main Methods:

• Developed English and Spanish wireframes for MBapp, incorporating evidence-based engagement features.
• Conducted 25 in-depth interviews with smartphone-owning pregnant individuals (32 weeks gestation to 6 months postpartum) without prior depression.
• Analyzed interview data using deductive and inductive coding, categorizing adaptations using the FRAME methodology.

Main Results:

• 25 interviews were completed, with 48% conducted in Spanish, reflecting diverse end-user representation.
• End-user feedback led to significant wireframe modifications, including adding audio narration and an "ask a clinician" feature.
• Adaptations focused on optimizing content and context to improve MBapp's reach, retention, engagement, and fit for users.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating end-user perspectives optimized the digital PPD prevention intervention (MBapp), enhancing its potential appeal.
• Future research will assess the feasibility and acceptability of MBapp among at-risk English- and Spanish-speaking perinatal individuals.