Improving the Health Equity of Women Now and in the Post COVID-19 Era: Mobile Technology-Assisted Mental Health Interventions for Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Abstract

Pregnant and postpartum women often face high levels of psychological stress that increase the risk of common mental disorders (CMDs), such as depression and anxiety. This stress is often not met with timely mental health care and, therefore, may create health inequities. Mobile technology-assisted interventions represent a new opportunity for pregnant and postpartum women that may address health equity, especially during and after the COVID-19 era. We conducted an equity-focused systematic review and included 18 randomized and non-randomized controlled trials for analysis. Our results suggest that mobile interventions can prevent and manage depression across ethnicities and carry the potential to reduce psychological distress. Evidence on anxiety and utilization of care was limited and more research is needed among pregnant adolescents. Our collaborative research approach highlights the potential of mobile technologies and the need for active involvement of patients and other stakeholders in the co-creation and evaluation of mobile interventions.