Description

Although psychological interventions are effective in decreasing depressive symptoms during the postpartum period, of the women affected, only 13% seek professional help. Common barriers are lack of time, stigma, child care needs, reduced mobility following childbirth, and lack of access to treatment in some regions. Web-based therapy programs have the potential to be effective in reducing postpartum depression (PPD) and to increase the access to treatment. The limited number of studies testing web-based programs for postpartum depression and the small sample sizes used reveal a field in early development.

The aim of the present trial is to investigate the feasibility, usability and user engagement of an internet-based treatment program for postpartum depression with therapist guidance. The program was developed de novo by the authors, and it is currently the only psychological treatment of its kind available in Romania. It consists of 5 weekly online multimedia modules (+5 optional ones), 3 bi-weekly 45 minutes group meetings and support provided by a psychotherapist.

Women with PPD symptoms will access the intervention program in order to provide feedback regarding its content and structure. Assessments will occur at baseline, post-treatment, and 1-month follow-up and will include questionnaires and a semi-structured interview. Preliminary information will be collected about changes in depression, anxiety, unrealistic standards for the maternal role, and psychological flexibility.

By assessing the level of usability and user engagement, we ensure that the program's design and content allow for the implementation of the intervention in a way that is accessible, user-friendly, and engaging for the target population. Furthermore, by evaluating the feasibility of the approach, we ensure that a future controlled clinical trial can be initiated from an ethical, practical, and logistical standpoint. Consequently, this study serves as an essential preparatory phase, enabling the testing of the program's efficacy in a subsequent study.