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.
Highlights
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious clinical condition affecting approximately 13% of Portuguese women after childbirth [1]
Despite the existence of effective treatment, few women seek professional help to deal with their depressive symptoms in the postpartum period [7,8], indicating the need for a new and innovative format of treatment that can overcome help-seeking barriers
This study aims to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of a blended CBT intervention for the treatment of PPD in the Portuguese context by integrating face-to-face sessions with the web-based program Be a Mom
Summary
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious clinical condition affecting approximately 13% of Portuguese women after childbirth [1]. PPD poses adverse and persistent consequences for the entire family system. It affects the woman’s health (e.g., increased tiredness [2], decreased quality of life [3]) and mother–child interaction (e.g., mother-child bonding, lower parenting self-efficacy) [3,4]. It can have consequences for the infant’s development (e.g., infant sleep patterns, emotional development) [3] and for the entire family environment, including the couple’s relationship [5]. Time and financial constraints and struggles with transportation and childcare issues are some of the structural barriers to seeking professional help reported by
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