Online intervention to prevent postnatal depression and anxiety in Chilean new mothers: Protocol for a feasibility trial

• Published in: Health informatics journal Vol. 28; no. 4; p. 14604582221135440
• Main Authors: Pérez, J. Carola, Aldoney, Daniela, García, María I, Olhaberry, Marcia, Fernández, Olga, Alamo, Nicolle, Franco, Pamela, Pérez, Francisca, Fisher, Jane, Rowe, Heather, Coo, Soledad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.10.2022; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Intervention; Mental health care; Postpartum depression; Telemedicine; e-health; m-health; primary care; evidence-based practice; healthcare service innovation and IT
• ISSN: 1460-4582; 1741-2811
• DOI: 10.1177/14604582221135440

Symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety in new mothers are prevalent and negatively impact maternal emotional wellbeing and infant development. Barriers to accessing treatment prevent women from receiving mental health care, a situation that has worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. mHealth interventions hold the potential to support women during the transition to parenthood despite these barriers and to promote the use of preventive interventions. This study uses a mixed methods design to assess the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a psychoeducational, guided mHealth intervention to prevent postpartum mental health difficulties in women who receive care in primary health centers in Chile. The study will contribute to evidence-based research on the effectiveness of mHealth interventions for new mothers from an understudied cultural background. The findings will also enable the development of a larger randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of the intervention, which, if effective, could significantly contribute to the emotional wellbeing of women and their families.