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ERIC Number: ED641986
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 189
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-7806-5803-0
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Improving Perinatal Mental Health: A Pilot Study of the Online Mothers and Babies Course with Couples
Shannon M. Canfield
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Missouri - Columbia
Untreated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders have short- and long-term consequences for mental, physical, developmental, social, and economic outcomes affecting the mother, infant, family, and community. Online Health interventions are known to be effective in treating mental health disorders and increasing access to care. Successful perinatal interventions utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to deliver psycho-educational materials to people at risk for a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder. Perception of social support is known to be protective for preventing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. A primary source of perinatal social support is the partner of the pregnant woman. However, less is known about engaging the couple in preventative programming for perinatal mental health, and few studies have included or recruited partners. This pilot study is one of the first to engage couples (N = 31) in a mixed-methods research project using a cluster randomized control trial to test the efficacy of an existing online program in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or perception of stress when using eMB with couples. There was a random assignment of couples to treatment with eMB or control groups, and validated instruments were used to measure outcomes three times over eight weeks. An intent-to-treat analytic strategy using a three-way ANOVA with repeated measures on group and couple roles (i.e., pregnant woman or partner) was computed using SPSS to test the study hypotheses. Data from surveys and interviews were used to explore participant satisfaction and feelings about partner support while using eMB. Overall, there were no significant group differences for any outcome of interest. There were significant role differences for anxiety and depression at various study times. Similarly, there were differences between women in the intervention and control group for anxiety and depression during the study. In general, participants found the eMB satisfactory and made straightforward suggestions for improvement, primarily through thoughtful inclusion of partner-related materials. Regarding feelings about partner supportiveness, the lack of partner materials was again a critique point, but participants could find ways to view the material in helpful ways by shifting how they perceived the materials. Otherwise, most identified the program as supportive to them personally, the couple's needs, and indeed for the pregnant woman. In sum, eMB participants were satisfied with the course content, yet there was a clear desire for content applicable and relatable to all end users. There is a need to modify the content for future interventions to meet the needs and be inclusive of partners and couples. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A