Virtual(ly) no support: Associations between virtual support group participation and peripartum mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study examined associations between participation in virtual support groups for peripartum women and mental health outcomes at follow-up approximately 8 months later. MethodsThis cross-sectional online survey study assessed 383 women from the Perinatal Experiences and COVID-19 Effects (PEACE) study. Initial participants (T1) were re-contacted (T2) and self-reported mental health symptoms of depression (CES-D), anxiety (GAD-7), and COVID-related grief were assessed at both time points. Participants reported involvement in virtual support groups and their perception of the effectiveness of social media in addressing feelings of loneliness. ResultsThe majority (62%) of respondents participated in a virtual support group, 99% of whom used informal social media-based groups (e.g. Facebook groups). At initial evaluation, virtual group participants reported higher levels of depressive symptoms (p=0.008) and COVID grief (p=0.004), but not higher levels of anxiety. Across the cohort, self-reported depressive, anxiety, and grief symptoms did not change significantly at follow-up in paired analysis, and virtual group participants did not demonstrate improvement in mental health symptoms. ConclusionsParticipation in virtual support groups did not seem to improve mental health outcomes for peripartum women, and most women found social media engagement minimally effective at addressing loneliness.