A study protocol of mobile phone app-based cognitive behaviour training for the prevention of postpartum depression among high-risk mothers

Mental health has become a global issue for public health. The global burden of disease 2016 (GBD 2016) confirmed that the major cause of non-fatal burden was mental disorders and substance use disorders, led by depressive disorders. Postpartum depression (PPD) as a disabling but treatable mental disease is one of the most common mental health issues faced by post-natal women. The pressures of parenthood faced by some postpartum women are difficult to alleviate, and depression during this period continues to have negative consequences, which require medical treatment. Therefore, in the current study focusing on PPD, the postpartum period is defined as one year after birth. The primary purpose of this proposed study is to develop an APP for the delivery of CBT programs for women with PPD. The second purpose is to examine the effect of this CBT APP on psychosocial outcomes (depression, anxiety, pressure and Parenting Sense of Competence) and one biological outcome (saliva cortisol) among women with a high risk of PPD. The third purpose is to identify potential moderators and mediators of the psychosocial and biological outcomes.