Development and assessment of a mobile phone-based intervention to reduce maternal depression and improve child health

Abstract

Introduction Postnatal depression is known to cause disability and suffering in women and negative consequences both for their infants and their families, with huge costs globally. Several studies from low and middle income countries (LAMIC) have demonstrated that effectively delivered psychological interventions are cost effective for improving maternal and child health, but access to these interventions is limited in both the low and high income countries. Objective The objective of the study is to develop and test a mobile phone-based intervention (Tech Mother Care), which will include components of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and child development related psychoeducation. Aim The aim of the study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the Tech Mother Care intervention. Methods A total of 36 participants will be recruited from health centers in Karachi, Pakistan for this 2-arm randomized pilot study. The Tech Mother Care App intervention will be based on principles of CBT and learning-through-play (LTP) a parenting intervention and will assess the real-time depressive symptoms of participants and respond, using intelligent real time therapy (iRTT) dependent on symptoms reported by participants. Results Outcome assessments will be completed after 3 months (end of intervention). In-depth qualitative interviews will also be conducted with participants pre- and post-intervention. The trial is ongoing and we will present both the qualitative and quantitative results. Conclusions The results of this pilot trial will inform the design of a larger randomised controlled trial using a mobile based technology platform to address the huge treatment gap in LAMICs.