Digital Health Needs of Women With Postpartum Depression: Focus Group Study.

Madison E Lackie,Brynn M Lavery,Andrea L Kennedy,Barbara Shulman,Deirdre Ryan,Lori A Brotto,Julia S Parrilla

doi:10.2196/18934

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough approximately 10% of new mothers in Canada develop postpartum depression (PPD), they face many barriers when accessing care. eHealth offers a unique opportunity to provide psychosocial skills and support to new mothers; however, patient populations are not consistently engaged in eHealth development processes. Thus, the diversity of women’s backgrounds and needs are often not reflected in existing tools.ObjectiveThis study aims to engage women from a variety of backgrounds and locations around British Columbia (BC) who have previously experienced PPD to determine the unmet psychoeducational needs of women with PPD and how a web-enabled platform used to deliver psychosocial skills and education to assist in the management of PPD could fulfill those needs.MethodsFocus groups were conducted in 7 cities across BC with a total of 31 women (mean age 34.5 years, SD 4.9), with each group ranging from 2-7 participants. Focus groups were cofacilitated by the study coordinator and a local service provider in each community using a semistructured guide to discuss participants’ needs, ideas, and opinions as they relate to the use of technology in PPD management. Transcripts were approached inductively using thematic analysis to identify themes and qualitative description to frame what was observed in the data.ResultsA total of 5 themes were identified: bridging gaps to meet needs; providing validation to combat stigma; nurturing capacity to cope, manage, and/or reach wellness; empowering people to take ownership over their mental health; and offering customization to ensure relevance. Each theme identified a need (eg, combatting stigma) and a way to address that need using a web-enabled intervention (eg, providing validation). At the intersection of these themes was the overarching value of promoting agency for women experiencing PPD.ConclusionsUltimately, new mothers require accessible mental health care that promotes their agency in mental health care decision making. Our participants believed that a web-enabled intervention could help meet this need. These data will be used to guide the design of such an intervention, with the eventual implementation of this resource as a first-line management option for PPD.

Highlights

Postpartum DepressionPostpartum depression (PPD) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in high-income countries [1] and indiscriminately affects new mothers around the world
Conclusions: new mothers require accessible mental health care that promotes their agency in mental health care decision making
This research provided a breadth and depth of insight into the needs of women experiencing postpartum depression Qualitative description (QD) (PPD) that has not been seen before in the literature, as it relates to informing the development of an eHealth intervention

Summary

Introduction

Postpartum DepressionPostpartum depression (PPD) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in high-income countries [1] and indiscriminately affects new mothers around the world. Research shows that the point prevalence of depressive symptoms appears to peak between 2 and 7 months postpartum [3]. Due to this discrepancy, it is likely that many cases are missed. In Canada, 10% of new mothers experience symptoms consistent with PPD, and an additional 8% experience PPD and anxiety symptoms together [5]. When combined, this figure is approximately equal to the worldwide prevalence rate of PPD symptoms, which has been calculated to be 17.7% [6]. The diversity of women’s backgrounds and needs are often not reflected in existing tools

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