Testing a Behavioral Activation Gaming App for Depression During Pregnancy: Multimethod Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Depression during pregnancy is increasingly recognized as a worldwide public health problem. If untreated, there can be detrimental outcomes for the mother and child. Anxiety is also often comorbid with depression. Although effective treatments exist, most women do not receive treatment. Technology is a mechanism to increase access to and engagement in mental health services.

Objective

The Guardians is a mobile app, grounded in behavioral activation principles, which seeks to leverage mobile game mechanics and in-game rewards to encourage user engagement. This study seeks to assess app satisfaction and engagement and to explore changes in clinical symptoms of depression and anxiety among a sample of pregnant women with elevated depressive symptoms.

Methods

SUBMITTER: Vanderkruik RC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10858420 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature