Comparing Web-Based Mindfulness With Loving-Kindness and Compassion Training for Promoting Well-Being in Pregnancy: Protocol for a Three-Arm Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Finlay‐Jones, Amy; Davis, Jacqueline; O'Donovan, Amanda; Kottampally, Keerthi; Ashley, Rebecca; Silva, Desiree; Ohan, Jeneva L.; Prescott, Susan L.; Downs, Jenny

doi:10.2196/19803

Cited by 7 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 81 publications

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“… 41 A pilot RCT (Mums Minds Matter) investigated the feasibility and engagement in a randomized controlled trial protocol comparing three meditation-based interventions delivered on the Internet during pregnancy. 62 In addition, the Mums Minds Matter study explored barriers and enablers to online well-being training, along with engagement in other types of well-being practices. 63 Our analysis of Mums Minds Matter, along with this current study will be used to design an appropriately tailored mobile app for a future full-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing mental health outcome in perinatal women who undertake an online mindfulness, loving kindness, or general relaxation programme.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Time-out for well-being: A mixed methods evaluation of attitudes and likelihood to engage in different types of online emotional well-being programmes in the perinatal period

Davis

Finlay‐Jones

Bear

et al. 2023

Womens Health (Lond Engl)

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Background: Positive maternal mental health during the perinatal period contributes to general well-being and positive emotional bonds with the child, encouraging an optimal developmental trajectory. Online interventions to enhance maternal well-being and develop coping skills, such as meditation-based interventions, can be a low-cost way to improve mother and child outcomes. However, this depends on end-user engagement. To date, there is limited evidence about women’s willingness to engage and preferences for online programmes. Objectives: This study explored pregnant women’s attitudes towards and likelihood to undertake minimal online well-being training programmes (mindfulness, self-compassion, or general relaxation), engagement barriers and enablers, and programme structure preferences. Design: A mixed methods triangulation design was undertaken using a validating quantitative model. Quantile regressions were applied to the quantitative data. Content analysis was undertaken for the qualitative data. Methods: Consenting pregnant women ( n = 151) were randomized equally to read about three online programme types. Participants were sent an information leaflet, tested by a consumer panel prior to distribution. Results: Participants generally held positive attitudes about all three types of interventions, with no statistically significant differences in preferences between programme types. Participants appreciated the importance of mental health and were receptive to fostering skills to support their emotional well-being and stress management. The most frequent perceived barriers were lack of time, tiredness, and forgetfulness. Programme structure preferences indicated one to two modules per week, less than 15 min in duration, and over 4 weeks. Programme functionality, such as regular reminders and easy accessibility, is important to end users. Conclusion: Our findings reinforce the importance of determining participant preferences in designing and communicating engaging interventions for perinatal women. This research contributes to the understanding of population-based interventions that can be provided as simple, scalable, cost-effective, and home-based activities in pregnancy for the benefit of individuals, their families, and society more broadly.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Time-out for well-being: A mixed methods evaluation of attitudes and likelihood to engage in different types of online emotional well-being programmes in the perinatal period

Davis

Finlay‐Jones

Bear

et al. 2023

Womens Health (Lond Engl)

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“…In particular, web-based, minimal contact interventions could provide ready access to the resources needed during crisis periods. A current study is investigating the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial protocol comparing three meditation-based interventions delivered on the web during pregnancy [ 38 ]. If the study is shown to be feasible, results will be used to inform a future full-scale RCT in order to develop evidence-based, scalable, and low-cost interventions that promote wellbeing and reduce psychological distress among pregnant women.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Can Positive Mindsets Be Protective Against Stress and Isolation Experienced during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding Emotional Health and Wellbeing Needs of Perinatal Women

Davis

Gibson

Bear

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between emotional health and wellbeing and support needs of perinatal women during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to understand their experiences and need for support. This is a potentially vulnerable group and a critical developmental phase for women and infants. A mixed methods design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data that provided a robust insight into their unique needs. A total of 174 women who were either pregnant or post-birth participated. The main findings demonstrated that women in this cohort experienced varying levels of stress and isolation but also positive experiences. Exploring the relationship between mental health (perceived stress and wellbeing) and resilience (mindfulness and self-compassion) revealed an association between positive mental health and higher levels of mindfulness and self-compassion. Positive mindsets may be protective against psychological distress for the mother and her child, suggesting that meditation-based or similar training might help support expectant and post-birth mothers during times of crisis, such as a pandemic. This information could be used to make recommendations for future planning for practitioners and policymakers in preparing for prospective infection waves, pandemics, or natural disasters, and could be used to develop targeted tools, support, and care.

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“…The training programs were available via the Teachable website and are minimal interventions with no direct interaction with a therapist or other users. The full study protocol includes detailed information on the battery assessment questionnaires administered before, during, and after the intervention, as well as the intervention format and structures [ 4 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A range of measures were collected in the full pilot RCT, as outlined in the protocol [ 4 ], but not analyzed and reported in this paper. Midway through the intervention, the project team assessed survey completion rates, and, owing to low compliance and perceived participant burden, the regular engagement survey collection frequencies were reduced from weekly to fortnightly.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To better understand the feasibility of digital contemplative interventions for women in the perinatal period, we first need to understand how women progress through the program and when and why they discontinue. The Mums Minds Matter (MMM) study is a pilot RCT comparing 3 types of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs): mindfulness training (MT), loving-kindness and compassion training (LKCT), and progressive muscle relaxation training (PMRT; active control) for improving positive mental health and psychological distress among pregnant women [ 4 ]. Although interventions need to be efficacious, it is critical that participants engage in enough of the intervention to benefit.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Perinatal Women’s Perspectives of, and Engagement in, Digital Emotional Well-Being Training: Mixed Methods Study

Davis,

Ohan,

Gregory

et al. 2023

J Med Internet Res

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Background Psychological distress in the early postpartum period can have long-lasting deleterious effects on a mother’s well-being and negatively affect her infant’s development. Intervention approaches based in contemplative practices such as mindfulness and loving-kindness and compassion are intended to alleviate distress and cultivate well-being and can be delivered effectively as digital mental health interventions (DMHIs). Objective To understand the feasibility of engaging perinatal women in digital interventions, this study aimed to document participants’ experiences in the Mums Minds Matter (MMM) study, a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing mindfulness, loving-kindness and compassion, and progressive muscle relaxation training delivered in a digital format and undertaken during pregnancy. To assess the different stages of engagement during and after the intervention, we adapted the connect, attend, participate, enact (CAPE) framework that is based on the idea that individuals go through different stages of engagement before they are able to enact change. Methods The MMM study was nested within a longitudinal birth cohort, The ORIGINS Project. We aimed to recruit 25 participants per randomization arm. Data were collected sequentially during the intervention through regular web-based surveys over 8 weeks, with opportunities to provide regular feedback. In the postintervention phase, qualitative data were collected through purposive sampling. Results Of 310 eligible women, 84 (27.1% [connect rate]) enrolled to participate in MMM. Of the remaining 226 women who did not proceed to randomization, 223 (98.7%) failed to complete the baseline surveys and timed out of eligibility (after 30 weeks’ gestation), and 3 (1.3%) displayed high psychological distress scores. Across all program groups, 17 (20% [attend rate]) of the 84 participants actively opted out, although more may have disengaged from the intervention but did not withdraw. The main reasons for withdrawal were busy life and other priorities. In this study, we assessed active engagement and ongoing skills use (participate and enact) through postintervention interviews. We undertook 15 participant interviews, conducted 1 month to 3 months after the intervention. Our results provide insights into participant barriers and enablers as well as app changes, such as the ability to choose topics, daily reminders, case studies, and diversity in sounds. Implementing a DMHI that is brief, includes frequent prompts or nudges, and is easily accessible is a key strategy to target perinatal women. Conclusions Our research will enable future app designs that are sufficiently nuanced to maximize the uptake, engagement, and application of mental health skills and contemplative practices in the perinatal period. Providing convenient access to engaging and effective prevention programs is critical and should be part of prenatal self-care. Our research underscores the appeal and feasibility of digital intervention approaches based in contemplative practices for perinatal women. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) 12620000672954p; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12620000672954p International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/19803

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Comparing Web-Based Mindfulness With Loving-Kindness and Compassion Training for Promoting Well-Being in Pregnancy: Protocol for a Three-Arm Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Cited by 7 publications

References 81 publications

Time-out for well-being: A mixed methods evaluation of attitudes and likelihood to engage in different types of online emotional well-being programmes in the perinatal period

Time-out for well-being: A mixed methods evaluation of attitudes and likelihood to engage in different types of online emotional well-being programmes in the perinatal period

Can Positive Mindsets Be Protective Against Stress and Isolation Experienced during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding Emotional Health and Wellbeing Needs of Perinatal Women

Perinatal Women’s Perspectives of, and Engagement in, Digital Emotional Well-Being Training: Mixed Methods Study

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