Abstract:
Introduction: Women in the peripartum period are highly vulnerable to developing mental health issues, particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating distress levels. Relaxation strategies and access sto support services has been identified as a potential intervention in supporting women throughout the peripartum period. This study will investigate how the use of a mindfulness mobile app can support women’s mental health during and after pregnancy.
Methodology: In this randomised control trial, participants will receive a mindfulness mobile app to use from 16 weeks gestation to 6 months postpartum. A range of quantitative questionnaires will be completed by both the trial group and participants receiving standard care to explore distress, quality of life, mother-infant bonding, satisfaction with the app. Focus group interviews to understand consumer feedback of this intervention will also be conducted. Finally, a health economic evaluation, to understand the cost and health outcomes of the mindfulness app will be undertaken.
Results: Results suggest positive outcomes across various domains. Preliminary results will be discussed in the presentation.
Discussion: It is anticipated that this mindfulness app will be effective in treating perinatal mental health, including having health economic benefits. Further, the results will leverage implementation of this app as an intervention across wider health services nationally and internationally.
