A Computer Game for Postpartum Mental Health After Emergency Cesarean Birth

Effects of a Computer Game on Postpartum Mental Health After Emergency Cesarean Birth: a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to explore whether playing the computer game Tetris can reduce PTSD symptoms in women who have undergone emergency caesarean births. Additionally, as a feasibility study, it seeks to provide essential data and insights that will guide the design and implementation of future larger-scale RCTs examining the effects of Tetris in this context.

The specific objectives are to explore:

1. Whether playing Tetris within 24 hours of an emergency C-section help to reduce symptoms of PTSD.
2. Clinical feasibility and acceptability for an intervention (ie. game Tetris) immediately after a cesarean section.
3. Issues arising from the research design, including requitement and sample size.

Participants in the intervention group will play Tetris for at least 10 minutes, but no more than 15 minutes within 24 hours of a C-section.

For outcomes, all participants will complete the questionnaires on the fifth day after the C-section and one month postpartum.

Recent research suggests that adverse events related to childbirth and pregnancy, such as emergency caesarean births, can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although therapeutic and preventive interventions like trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are available, the effectiveness of interventions that do not require specialist expertise remains unclear.

This randomised controlled trial (RCT) aims to determine whether playing the computer game Tetris can reduce the PTSD symptom severity in postpartum women who have undergone emergency caesarean births, a group at higher risk of developing PTSD compared to those who have had spontaneous deliveries. Additionally, this study serves as a feasibility test, establishing a foundation for future larger RCTs examining the effects of Tetris.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women aged 20 years or older
• Women who have undergone an emergency caesarean birth within the previous 24 hours
• Must be able to understand instructions and respond to the questionnaire in Japanese

Exclusion Criteria:

• Undergoing treatment for psychiatric disorders such as PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders or schizophrenia.
• Undergoing intensive care after surgery .
• The physician does not approve participation for any physical or mental reasons .