Effectiveness of a Mobile Application for Postpartum Depression Self-Management: Evidence from a Randomised Controlled Trial in South Korea

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of the Happy Mother mobile app developed for self-management of postpartum depression, based on cognitive behavioural therapy. A randomized controlled trial, with a pre- and a post-test design, was conducted in South Korea. Effectiveness was analysed using repeated measures ANOVA and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. We confirmed that the experimental group performed significantly more health promoting behaviours than the control group (F = 5.15, p = 0.007). However, there was no significant difference in postpartum depression, knowledge of depression, maladaptive beliefs, social support, sleep quality, and stress-coping behaviours between the two groups. The experimental group’s mood score increased by 1.79 ± 2.51 points, resulting in significant differences before and after the intervention (Z = −2.81, p = 0.005). The quality of sleep score in the experimental group increased by 1.48 ± 1.70 points and was also significantly different after the intervention (Z = −3.23, p = 0.001). The activity practice rate of the experimental group significantly increased by 30.27 ± 29.27% after using the app (Z = −2.81, p = 0.005). We found the app to be effective in promoting mothers’ health behaviour and improving their depressive mood.