The Effect of Digital Health Interventions on Postpartum Depression or Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2024;230(1):12–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2023.06.028)
Around 15% of women experience postpartum depression (PPD) and 20% encounter postpartum anxiety (PPA) within the first year after childbirth. Research has shown that psychoeducation, psychotherapies, and mindfulness can effectively prevent and treat PPD and PPA. However, <20% of women with these conditions can access these interventions due to a shortage of trained mental health professionals during the perinatal period. Digital health interventions (DHIs) offer a potential solution by providing evidence-based psychoeducation and psychotherapy through the Internet, smartphone apps, or text messaging services. DHIs are highly accessible, as nearly all reproductive-age individuals in the US own smartphones, and a majority have broadband internet access. They also overcome barriers such as lack of childcare and unreliable transportation, which hinder adherence to in-person postpartum care. In addition, DHIs can be scaled effectively without compromising intervention fidelity.
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