A Blended Cognitive–Behavioral Intervention for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Despite the existence of effective treatment for postpartum depression, few women seek professional help, indicating the need for a new and innovative format of treatment that can overcome help-seeking barriers. This article presents the study protocol for a blended cognitive–behavioral intervention for the treatment of postpartum depression, by integrating face-to-face sessions with a web-based program (Be a Mom) into one treatment protocol. This study will be a two-arm, noninferiority randomized controlled trial comparing blended intervention to usual treatment for postpartum depression provided in healthcare centers. Portuguese postpartum adult women diagnosed with postpartum depression (according to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder) will be recruited during routine care appointments in local healthcare centers and will be eligible to participate. Measures will be completed at baseline, postintervention, and at three- and six-month follow-ups. The primary outcome will be depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes will include anxiety symptoms, fatigue, quality of life, marital satisfaction, maternal self-efficacy, and mother–child bonding. Cost-effectiveness analysis and mediator and moderator analysis will be conducted. This study will provide insight into the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a blended psychological intervention in the Portuguese context and increase the empirically validated treatment options for postpartum depression.

Using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for Mental Health Prevention and Treatment

“…In addition to effectiveness studies, this Special Issue includes the description of two study protocols using internet. The first one, by Branquinho et al [ 9 ], is a two-arm, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial comparing a cognitive behavioral blended intervention to usual treatment for postpartum depression provided in healthcare centers. The blended condition will integrate face-to-face sessions with a web-based program called Be a Mom.…”

Online and Offline Intervention for the Prevention of Postpartum Depression among Rural-to-Urban Floating Women: Study Protocol for a Randomized Control Trial

“…Despite the existence of various interventions, only a small number of women have sought professional help to reduce their depressive symptoms after childbirth [21], suggesting the need for an innovative intervention delivery to overcome women's help-seeking barriers. Online and offline (OTO) intervention is the combination of face-to-face treatment with internet-based interventions that have significant benefits [7]. On the one hand, it can have higher flexibility and accessibility, and reduced financial and time cost [27].…”

“…In addition to the high prevalence, PPD was identified to have adverse effects on the physical and mental health of women [3], the cognitive and emotional development of babies [5], and the bonding of family members [6]. In consideration of the negative consequence of PPD, it is of significance to carry out efficient and timely interventions [7].…”

“…Systematic review and meta-analysis found from [7][8][9][10] that there have been various interventions for PPD, i.e., pharmacological interventions and nonpharmacological intervention. Although pharmacological method is an effective treatment for depression, mothers are often reluctant to take antidepressant medication due to concerns about breast milk transmission or potential side-effects on their babies [8,11].…”

“…Despite the existence of these traditional interventions, there have been few women with PPD seeking professional help [7,20]. For instance, a cohort study including 1126 women in Hunan, China, found that only 9.3% of women at a high risk of PPD chose professionals as their first option [21].…”