mHealth Mindfulness Intervention for Pregnant Black and Latina Women at Risk of Postpartum Depression

mHealth Mindfulness Intervention for Pregnant Black and Latina Women at Risk of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is associated with significant health consequences for mothers and children, and the current COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the mental health of particularly vulnerable populations including pregnant Black and Latina women. There is an urgent need for evidence-based, accessible, and scalable mental health care options for these high-risk, vulnerable women. This study aims to: (a) compare the effectiveness of two digitally-delivered self-paced stress reduction programs in pregnant Black and Latina women at increased risk of PPD; and (b) examine barriers and facilitators to implementation within a large healthcare system.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥18 years
• Current Kaiser Permanente Permanente Northern California (KPNC) member
• Pregnant woman receiving prenatal care at KPNC
• Gestational age <30 weeks
• Singleton pregnancy
• Self-identify as Black and/or Latina
• Moderate to moderately severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score between 10 and 19) and no indication of suicidality
• Owns a device with internet access
• English- or Spanish-speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Regular stress reduction practice with a mindfulness component (e.g., meditation or yoga more than twice a week)
• Deaf
• Blind
• Acting as gestational carrier/surrogate