Preferences for group psychological interventions on perinatal depression in China: a discrete choice experiment

Perinatal depression (PND) is a public health issue that causes a considerable disease burden on health systems and patients' families. Group psychological interventions are intended to prevent PND. This study aimed to identify maternal preferences for group psychological interventions and provide evidence for intervention design and implementation in China.

A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted in southern China from January to February 2023. Based on a literature review, expert consultation, and qualitative interviews, six attributes of group psychological interventions were selected for the DCE: cost, qualification of care provider, care method (online/offline), care receiver, institution for care delivery and starting time of care. A mixed-logit regression model was used to analyze preferences, willingness to pay, and potential uptake rate.

The survey included 517 participants. They reported preferring free interventions provided by psychologists, available online and offline, with their spouses, and at the hospital where they received routine maternity care. Participants had no significant preferences for starting time of care. Inviting spouses to attend the intervention was the most valued attribute. The preferences of the different subgroups of respondents were diverse.

Considering pregnant women's needs and preferences when designing group psychological interventions will help to increase their willingness to participate in the intervention for PND prevention. Future maternal group psychological interventions could invite spouses and other informal family caregivers to accompany them, reduce or waive fees for pregnant women through financial support, and provide online interventions for pregnant women in the third trimester and postpartum period.