Feasibility of a Mobile App-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Perinatal Skills Program: Protocol for Nonrandomized Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Perinatal mental health
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Background:

• Mental illness is a leading cause of preventable pregnancy-related deaths.
• Barriers limit perinatal individuals' access to traditional mental health care.
• Digital health tools can improve access to mental health support.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the Maya-Perinatal Skills Program (M-PSP).
• Explore the relationship between M-PSP usage and symptoms of anxiety and low mood in perinatal individuals.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study with 50 pregnant or postpartum individuals with mild-to-moderate anxiety/mood symptoms.
• Recruitment from diverse clinics at a large academic medical center in New York City.
• Mixed-methods approach: qualitative/quantitative feedback, usage data, and symptom assessments.

Main Results:

• Recruitment initiated in August 2023, with 32 participants enrolled as of October 2024.
• Enrollment is ongoing until the target of 50 participants is reached.
• Data analysis will employ grounded theory for qualitative feedback and explore quantitative associations.

Conclusions:

• Digital health interventions like M-PSP offer promising new avenues for mental health support.
• Study results will guide future development of M-PSP for perinatal populations.
• The goal is to provide an accessible and effective tool for pregnant and postpartum individuals.