App-based interventions for the prevention of postpartum depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background This study explored whether psychosocial intervention applications (apps) are effective in preventing postpartum depression. Methods We conducted an initial article search on 26 March 2020, and the updated search on 17 March 2023 on the electronic databases of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE via Ovid, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I. Furthermore, we searched the International Clinical Trials Platform Search Portal (ICTRP), and Clinical Trials. Results We identified 2515 references, and sixteen studies were ultimately included in this review. We conducted a meta-analysis of two studies on the onset of postpartum depression. There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups (RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.62 to 1.04; P = 0.570). We performed a meta-analysis of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The intervention group had significantly lower EPDS scores than the control group (mean difference -0.96; 95% CI -1.44 to -0.48; P < 0.001, I2 = 82%, Chi2 = 62.75, P < 0.001; high heterogeneity). Conclusion This study presents the results of current RCTs on interventions with apps, including an app with an automated psychosocial component for preventing postpartum depression that has been conducted. These apps improved the EPDS score; furthermore, they may prevent postpartum depression.

Dietary supplement for mood symptoms in early postpartum: a double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial

“…Cost-effectiveness of this intervention can be considered in comparison to other prevention approaches for PPD such as peer support, counselling, educational programs, social support, cognitive-behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, supportive care, mindfulness with or without mobile app support, and antidepressants. 28 , 29 Due to cost and scarcity, and in the case of antidepressants potential adverse events and/or undesirability, with the possible exception of some apps, most of these interventions are only available to women at high risk for MDE. In contrast the supplement in the present study could be available to women at low or high risk for MDE.…”

Acceptability of data linkage to identify women at risk of postnatal complication for the development of digital risk prediction tools and interventions to better optimise postnatal care, a qualitative descriptive study design

“…Web-based electronic dashboards have shown to improve delivery of care by supporting medication reviews, optimisation and the personalisation of health delivery in primary care [ 50 , 51 ]. Patient-focused digital interventions have also shown promise for the optimisation of healthy dietary behaviours and decreased weight gain during pregnancy [ 52 ] as well as being effective in preventing postpartum depression [ 53 ]. However, the widespread uptake of such digital technologies can be challenging if there are limited resources on the ground and when delivery requires heavy investment from the end users [ 54 , 55 ].…”

Smartphone-based intervention for postpartum depressive symptoms (Smart-e-Moms): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…To address these structural, societal, and individual barriers, internet-based interventions (IBIs) have emerged as a recognized and easily accessible means of providing specialized therapeutic care to women with the potential to both prevent and treat postpartum depressive symptoms [ 19 – 21 ]. IBIs targeting PPD commonly use evidence-based treatment elements, such as CBT techniques including behavioral activation and cognitive restructuring [ 22 – 24 ], psychoeducational components [ 24 – 26 ], and mindfulness and self-compassion practices [ 24 , 27 , 28 ].…”