Enhancing Postpartum Mental Health: Evaluation of the Effect of Remote Peer Support Intervention

Abstract

Introduction The postpartum period poses a risk of both onset and relapse of mental health disorders in mothers, which can impact maternal-child relationships and development of children. Timely intervention is crucial, especially considering that majority of at-risk women do not seek professional help. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Mom Supports Mom, a remote peer support intervention, in improving the mental health of postpartum women. Methods A randomized controlled trial with 488 Czech postpartum women with depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS score ≥ 10 shortly after giving birth) assessed the impact of Mom Supports Mom on depressive and anxiety symptoms (EPDS and Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale, PASS) and health-related quality of life (Assessment of Quality of Life, AQoL-8D) at 6 weeks postpartum. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5 (MINI) was used to assess psychiatric diagnoses. Results The intervention significantly reduced depressive (Cohen’s d = 0.30; p = 0.003) and anxiety symptoms (Cohen’s d = 0.29; p = 0.003) and improved health-related quality of life (Cohen’s d = 0.27; p = 0.008) at 6 weeks postpartum. No significant difference was observed in psychiatric diagnoses between the intervention and the control group. Conclusions Mom Supports Mom intervention reduces postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms and enhances health-related quality of life. These findings support the integration of peer support into perinatal mental health care, addressing barriers that women face in seeking help. Disclosure of Interest None Declared