SmartMoms - a web application to raise awareness and provide information on postpartum depression

TY - JOUR

T1 - SmartMoms - a web application to raise awareness and provide information on postpartum depression

AU - Daehn, Daria

AU - Martens, Claudia

AU - Loew, Viola

AU - Kemmler, Luisa

AU - Rudolf, Sophie

AU - Kochen, Eileen

AU - Renneberg, Babette

AU - Pawils, Silke

N1 - © 2023. The Author(s).

PY - 2023/5/31

Y1 - 2023/5/31

N2 - BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression is a major public health concern, which is associated with negative consequences for both mothers and children. Unfortunately, many affected women neither understand the warning signs of postpartum depression nor do they know where to seek help. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of SmartMoms, a German mobile web application (web app) designed to inform women about postpartum depression, support them, and provide an easily accessible self-screening instrument.METHODS: After its development, SmartMoms was distributed through healthcare providers and social media. Feasibility was assessed by examining (1) the experience of postpartum women with the web app, (2) user behaviour, and (3) the experience of healthcare providers with the web app and its distribution. A mixed methods approach was used, including online surveys, usage data, and interviews.RESULTS: Most women used SmartMoms to prevent postpartum depression and rated the web app as good (on average 4.36 out of 5 stars). The majority of women (62.2%) accessing the self-screening instrument showed a risk for postpartum depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale score ≥ 12). Most providers (n = 12/13) felt supported through SmartMoms in discussing postpartum depression and considered it a useful offer. Suggestions for improvement were provided.CONCLUSIONS: SmartMoms meets the needs and expectations of mothers and healthcare providers interested in postpartum depression but should be further adapted to include more specific support options and additional information for professionals.

AB - BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression is a major public health concern, which is associated with negative consequences for both mothers and children. Unfortunately, many affected women neither understand the warning signs of postpartum depression nor do they know where to seek help. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of SmartMoms, a German mobile web application (web app) designed to inform women about postpartum depression, support them, and provide an easily accessible self-screening instrument.METHODS: After its development, SmartMoms was distributed through healthcare providers and social media. Feasibility was assessed by examining (1) the experience of postpartum women with the web app, (2) user behaviour, and (3) the experience of healthcare providers with the web app and its distribution. A mixed methods approach was used, including online surveys, usage data, and interviews.RESULTS: Most women used SmartMoms to prevent postpartum depression and rated the web app as good (on average 4.36 out of 5 stars). The majority of women (62.2%) accessing the self-screening instrument showed a risk for postpartum depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale score ≥ 12). Most providers (n = 12/13) felt supported through SmartMoms in discussing postpartum depression and considered it a useful offer. Suggestions for improvement were provided.CONCLUSIONS: SmartMoms meets the needs and expectations of mothers and healthcare providers interested in postpartum depression but should be further adapted to include more specific support options and additional information for professionals.

KW - Child

KW - Female

KW - Humans

KW - Depression, Postpartum/diagnosis

KW - Mothers

KW - Postpartum Period

KW - Public Health

KW - Mobile Applications

U2 - 10.1186/s12884-023-05680-9

DO - 10.1186/s12884-023-05680-9

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

C2 - 37259041

VL - 23

JO - BMC PREGNANCY CHILDB

JF - BMC PREGNANCY CHILDB

SN - 1471-2393

IS - 1

M1 - 402

ER -