Effectiveness of Smartphone-Based Mindfulness Training on Maternal Perinatal Depression: Randomized Controlled Trial
Journal of Medical Internet Research August 11, 2020 Yaoyao Sun, Yanyan Li, Juan Wang et al.
An 8-week smartphone-based mindfulness training program during pregnancy reduced depression symptoms and improved anxiety and positive affect compared to an attention control group. Among 168 pregnant women at risk of perinatal depression, those in the mindfulness group showed a lower risk of positive depressive symptoms (EPDS score >9) postintervention (odds ratio 0.391) and higher depression symptom remission. Medium effect sizes were observed for depression and positive affect at postintervention and for anxiety in late pregnancy. Nulliparous women appeared to benefit more from the training. The overall dropout rate was 34.5%, with 52.4% completing the intervention.