Feasibility and Acceptability of a Novel Cognitive Behavioral Skills Mobile App for Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals

Pilot Trial Assessing Feasibility and Acceptability of a Novel Cognitive Behavioral Skills Mobile App for a Perinatal Population

This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Maya Perinatal Cognitive Behavioral Skills App, a novel app for pregnant and postpartum individuals experiencing difficulties with mood, anxiety, or stress. Participants will complete the 12-module app to learn evidence-based strategies previously shown to help manage mood and anxiety. Assessments will include app feedback questionnaires, feedback interviews, a daily symptom tracker, and symptom measures. The study investigators hypothesizes that participants will find content to be helpful in developing skills to manage anxiety and mood difficulties during the perinatal period, and that the app interface, session structure, and pacing will be acceptable and feasible for this population. It is further hypothesized that increased Maya Perinatal Cognitive Behavioral Skills App use, engagement, and satisfaction will be associated with lower self-reported anxiety and mood symptoms.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Perinatal Depression; Perinatal Anxiety
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Experimental: Maya Perinatal Cognitive Behavioral Skills App

Detailed Description

Individuals who are pregnant or postpartum are at a high risk of anxiety and mood difficulties. This has been linked to negative effects on the individual, developing baby (both in the womb and after birth), and family system. Despite this, there are significant barriers to getting mental health support while pregnant or as a new parent, particularly for those in disadvantaged communities. This study seeks to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a novel mobile health app among individuals who are pregnant or postpartum. The Maya Perinatal Cognitive Behavioral Skills App has been adapted from a previously studied Maya Cognitive Behavioral Skills App to specifically address the unique experiences of the perinatal population. The app includes 12 skill-based sessions using principles from cognitive behavioral therapy, an evidence-based treatment that can effectively address anxiety and mood symptoms. The app will be tested by pregnant and postpartum individuals, who will provide feedback on feasibility and acceptability. Participants will also complete screening measures assessing anxiety, mood, and trauma, which will be examined in the context of app use and engagement. Participants will be recruited from a range of settings in hopes of capturing a diverse sample in terms of race, cultural background, and financial means. Results will be used to inform future versions of the app to better suit this population.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 50
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Andrea Temkin-Yu, Psy.D.; Phone Number: ‪(640) 203-8301; Email: abt4002@med.cornell.edu
• Study Contact Backup: Name: Aliza Ayaz, B.S.; Email: ala4015@med.cornell.edu

Study Locations

• United States
  • New York
    • New York, New York, United States, 10065
      • Recruiting
      • Weill Cornell Medical College
      • Contact: Aliza Ayaz, B.S.; Email: ala4015@med.cornell.edu
      • Contact: Andrea Temkin-Yu, Psy.D.; Phone Number: 640-203-8301; Email: abt4002@med.cornell.edu
      • Principal Investigator: Andrea Temkin-Yu, Psy.D.

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female, Trans-male, non-binary, gender expansive, or gender questioning gestational carriers of pregnancy
• Currently pregnant or up to 12 months postpartum
• 18 years or older
• English proficiency
• Have access to a smartphone or other mobile device capable of receiving Short Message Service (SMS) pushes and complete Qualtrics surveys and App modules
• Be available to speak by phone or secure video-conference platform at points throughout the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Safety concerns at the time of enrollment, including, but not limited to, a response >0 on the EPDS question 10 or reported suicidal or self-harm thoughts or behaviors within one year of enrollment
• Current substance use disorder
• History of a bipolar or psychotic disorder, or current symptoms of psychosis or mania.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: N/A
• Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

1

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Maya Perinatal Cognitive Behavioral Skills App; Participants receive the Maya Perinatal Cognitive Behavioral Skills App for 6 weeks.	Behavioral: Experimental: Maya Perinatal Cognitive Behavioral Skills App; The intervention includes the completion of a mobile skills app teaching evidence-based strategies tailored for perinatal mood and anxiety. Modules include psychoeducation, skill information, practice exercises, and homework.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) at midpoint	The uMARS is a 27-item self-report questionnaire assessing engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, subjective quality, and perceived impact of an app. Total scores are calculated by averaging the items together, representing an overall perceived app quality score ranging from 1 (inadequate) to 5 (excellent).	Midpoint (approximately 3 weeks)
User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) at post-intervention	The uMARS is a 27-item self-report questionnaire assessing engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, subjective quality, and perceived impact of an app. Total scores are calculated by averaging the items together, representing an overall perceived app quality score ranging from 1 (inadequate) to 5 (excellent).	Post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks)
User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) at follow-up	The uMARS is a 27-item self-report questionnaire assessing engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, subjective quality, and perceived impact of an app. Total scores are calculated by averaging the items together, representing an overall perceived app quality score ranging from 1 (inadequate) to 5 (excellent).	Follow-up (approximately 12 weeks)
Quantitative Feedback Survey of App Feasibility and Acceptability	Self-report measures asking for qualitative feedback on module content and user experience.	Module 1 (approximately week 1)
Quantitative Feedback Survey of App Feasibility and Acceptability	Self-report measures asking for qualitative feedback on module content and user experience.	Module 2 (approximately week 1)
Quantitative Feedback Survey of App Feasibility and Acceptability	Self-report measures asking for qualitative feedback on module content and user experience.	Module 3 (approximately week 2)
Quantitative Feedback Survey of App Feasibility and Acceptability	Self-report measures asking for qualitative feedback on module content and user experience.	Module 4 (approximately week 2)
Quantitative Feedback Survey of App Feasibility and Acceptability	Self-report measures asking for qualitative feedback on module content and user experience.	Module 5 (approximately week 3)
Quantitative Feedback Survey of App Feasibility and Acceptability	Self-report measures asking for qualitative feedback on module content and user experience.	Module 6 (approximately week 3)
Quantitative Feedback Survey of App Feasibility and Acceptability	Self-report measures asking for qualitative feedback on module content and user experience.	Module 7 (approximately week 4)
Quantitative Feedback Survey of App Feasibility and Acceptability	Self-report measures asking for qualitative feedback on module content and user experience.	Module 8 (approximately week 4)
Quantitative Feedback Survey of App Feasibility and Acceptability	Self-report measures asking for qualitative feedback on module content and user experience.	Module 9 (approximately week 5)
Quantitative Feedback Survey of App Feasibility and Acceptability	Self-report measures asking for qualitative feedback on module content and user experience.	Module 10 (approximately week 5)
Quantitative Feedback Survey of App Feasibility and Acceptability	Self-report measures asking for qualitative feedback on module content and user experience.	Module 11 (approximately week 6)
Quantitative Feedback Survey of App Feasibility and Acceptability	Self-report measures asking for qualitative feedback on module content and user experience.	Module 12 (approximately week 6)
Qualitative Feedback of App Feasibility and Acceptability at midpoint	Feedback Interviews are qualitative interview-based questionnaires that a member of the research team will lead during a phone or video call with each participant. Items will examine participant response to app content, structure, and functionality, as well as engagement and satisfaction.	Midpoint (approximately 3 weeks)
Qualitative Feedback of App Feasibility and Acceptability at post-intervention	Feedback Interviews are qualitative interview-based questionnaires that a member of the research team will lead during a phone or video call with each participant. Items will examine participant response to app content, structure, and functionality, as well as engagement and satisfaction.	Post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks)
Qualitative Feedback of App Feasibility and Acceptability at follow-up	Feedback Interviews are qualitative interview-based questionnaires that a member of the research team will lead during a phone or video call with each participant. Items will examine participant response to app content, structure, and functionality, as well as engagement and satisfaction.	Follow-up (approximately 12 weeks)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Changes in postnatal depression measures scores from baseline to midpoint as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).	The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10-item self-report measure of mood symptoms in perinatal individuals. Scores range from 0 to 30 with the following interpretation: 0-7 (depression not likely), 8-13 (depression possible), 14+ (depression probable).	Baseline, midpoint (approximately 3 weeks)
Changes in postnatal depression measures scores from baseline to post-intervention as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).	The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10-item self-report measure of mood symptoms in perinatal individuals. Scores range from 0 to 30 with the following interpretation: 0-7 (depression not likely), 8-13 (depression possible), 14+ (depression probable).	Baseline, post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks)
Changes in postnatal depression measures scores from midpoint to post-intervention as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).	The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10-item self-report measure of mood symptoms in perinatal individuals. Scores range from 0 to 30 with the following interpretation: 0-7 (depression not likely), 8-13 (depression possible), 14+ (depression probable).	Midpoint (approximately 3 weeks), post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks)
Changes in postnatal depression measures scores from post-intervention to follow-up as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).	The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10-item self-report measure of mood symptoms in perinatal individuals. Scores range from 0 to 30 with the following interpretation: 0-7 (depression not likely), 8-13 (depression possible), 14+ (depression probable).	Post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks), follow-up (approximately 12 weeks).
Changes in postnatal anxiety measures scores from baseline to midpoint as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale-Anxiety Subscale (EPDS 3A).	The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10-item self-report measure of mood symptoms in perinatal individuals. The Edinburgh Anxiety Subscale (EPDS 3A) uses three items from the EPDS to assess levels of anxiety among perinatal individuals. Scores range from 0 to 9, with scores of 6+ indicating likely anxiety.	To be completed at midpoint at approximately 3 weeks, post-intervention at approximately 6 weeks, and follow-up and approximately 12 weeks.
Changes in postnatal anxiety measures scores from baseline to post-intervention as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale-Anxiety Subscale (EPDS 3A).	The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10-item self-report measure of mood symptoms in perinatal individuals. The Edinburgh Anxiety Subscale (EPDS 3A) uses three items from the EPDS to assess levels of anxiety among perinatal individuals. Scores range from 0 to 9, with scores of 6+ indicating likely anxiety.	Baseline, post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks)
Changes in postnatal anxiety measures scores from midpoint to post-intervention as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale-Anxiety Subscale (EPDS 3A).	The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10-item self-report measure of mood symptoms in perinatal individuals. The Edinburgh Anxiety Subscale (EPDS 3A) uses three items from the EPDS to assess levels of anxiety among perinatal individuals. Scores range from 0 to 9, with scores of 6+ indicating likely anxiety.	Midpoint (approximately 3 weeks), post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks)
Changes in postnatal anxiety measures scores from post-intervention to follow-up as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale-Anxiety Subscale (EPDS 3A).	The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10-item self-report measure of mood symptoms in perinatal individuals. The Edinburgh Anxiety Subscale (EPDS 3A) uses three items from the EPDS to assess levels of anxiety among perinatal individuals. Scores range from 0 to 9, with scores of 6+ indicating likely anxiety.	Post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks), follow-up (approximately 12 weeks)
Changes in anxiety measures scores from baseline to midpoint as measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)	The General Anxiety Disorder-7 is a 7 item self-report measure assessing symptoms of anxiety. Scores range from 0 to 21 with the following interpretation: 0-4 (minimal anxiety), 5-9 (mild anxiety), 10-14 (moderate anxiety), 15-21 (severe anxiety).	Baseline, midpoint (approximately 3 weeks)
Changes in anxiety measures scores from baseline to post-intervention as measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)	The General Anxiety Disorder-7 is a 7 item self-report measure assessing symptoms of anxiety. Scores range from 0 to 21 with the following interpretation: 0-4 (minimal anxiety), 5-9 (mild anxiety), 10-14 (moderate anxiety), 15-21 (severe anxiety)	Baseline, post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks)
Changes in anxiety measures scores from midpoint to post-intervention as measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)	The General Anxiety Disorder-7 is a 7 item self-report measure assessing symptoms of anxiety. Scores range from 0 to 21 with the following interpretation: 0-4 (minimal anxiety), 5-9 (mild anxiety), 10-14 (moderate anxiety), 15-21 (severe anxiety)	Midpoint (approximately 3 weeks), post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks)
Changes in anxiety measures scores from post-intervention to follow-up as measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)	The General Anxiety Disorder-7 is a 7 item self-report measure assessing symptoms of anxiety. Scores range from 0 to 21 with the following interpretation: 0-4 (minimal anxiety), 5-9 (mild anxiety), 10-14 (moderate anxiety), 15-21 (severe anxiety)	Post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks), follow-up (approximately 12 weeks)
Change in depression measures scores from baseline to midpoint as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)	The PHQ-9 is a 9 item self-report measure assessing symptoms of depression. Scores range from 0 to 27 with the following interpretation: 1-4 (minimal depression), 5-9 (mild depression), 10-14 (moderate depression), 15-19 (moderately severe depression), 20-27 (severe depression).	Baseline, midpoint (approximately 3 weeks)
Change in depression measures scores from baseline to post-intervention as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)	The PHQ-9 is a 9 item self-report measure assessing symptoms of depression. Scores range from 0 to 27 with the following interpretation: 1-4 (minimal depression), 5-9 (mild depression), 10-14 (moderate depression), 15-19 (moderately severe depression), 20-27 (severe depression).	Baseline, post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks)
Change in depression measures scores from midpoint to post-intervention as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)	The PHQ-9 is a 9 item self-report measure assessing symptoms of depression. Scores range from 0 to 27 with the following interpretation: 1-4 (minimal depression), 5-9 (mild depression), 10-14 (moderate depression), 15-19 (moderately severe depression), 20-27 (severe depression).	Midpoint, post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks)
Change in depression measures scores from post-intervention to follow-up as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)	The PHQ-9 is a 9 item self-report measure assessing symptoms of depression. Scores range from 0 to 27 with the following interpretation: 1-4 (minimal depression), 5-9 (mild depression), 10-14 (moderate depression), 15-19 (moderately severe depression), 20-27 (severe depression).	Post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks), Follow-up (approximately 12 weeks)
Changes in perinatal trauma measure scores from baseline to post-intervention as measured by Perinatal-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire-II (PPQ-II)	The Perinatal-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire-II (PPQ-II) is a 14-item self-report measure assessing symptoms of trauma among postpartum individuals. Scores range from 0 to 56, with scores of 19+ distinguishing individuals in need of treatment to address symptoms.	To be completed at midpoint at approximately 3 weeks, post-intervention at approximately 6 weeks, and follow-up and approximately 12 weeks.
Changes in perinatal trauma measure scores from baseline to post-intervention as measured by Perinatal-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire-II (PPQ-II)	The Perinatal-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire-II (PPQ-II) is a 14-item self-report measure assessing symptoms of trauma among postpartum individuals. Scores range from 0 to 56, with scores of 19+ distinguishing individuals in need of treatment to address symptoms.	Baseline, post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks)
Changes in perinatal trauma measure scores from post-intervention to follow-up as measured by Perinatal-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire-II (PPQ-II)	The Perinatal-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire-II (PPQ-II) is a 14-item self-report measure assessing symptoms of trauma among postpartum individuals. Scores range from 0 to 56, with scores of 19+ distinguishing individuals in need of treatment to address symptoms.	Post-intervention (approximately 6 weeks), follow-up (approximately 12 weeks)

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Weill Medical College of Cornell University
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Andrea Temkin-Yu, Psy.D., Weill Medical College of Cornell University

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Murray L. The impact of postnatal depression on infant development. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 1992 Mar;33(3):543-61. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.1992.tb00890.x.
• Bennett HA, Einarson A, Taddio A, Koren G, Einarson TR. Prevalence of depression during pregnancy: systematic review. Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Apr;103(4):698-709. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000116689.75396.5f. Erratum In: Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Jun;103(6):1344.
• Pearlstein T, Howard M, Salisbury A, Zlotnick C. Postpartum depression. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Apr;200(4):357-64. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2008.11.033.
• Wisner KL, Sit DK, McShea MC, Rizzo DM, Zoretich RA, Hughes CL, Eng HF, Luther JF, Wisniewski SR, Costantino ML, Confer AL, Moses-Kolko EL, Famy CS, Hanusa BH. Onset timing, thoughts of self-harm, and diagnoses in postpartum women with screen-positive depression findings. JAMA Psychiatry. 2013 May;70(5):490-8. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.87.
• Dennis CL, Chung-Lee L. Postpartum depression help-seeking barriers and maternal treatment preferences: a qualitative systematic review. Birth. 2006 Dec;33(4):323-31. doi: 10.1111/j.1523-536X.2006.00130.x.
• Gavin NI, Gaynes BN, Lohr KN, Meltzer-Brody S, Gartlehner G, Swinson T. Perinatal depression: a systematic review of prevalence and incidence. Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Nov;106(5 Pt 1):1071-83. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000183597.31630.db.
• Gaynes BN, Gavin N, Meltzer-Brody S, Lohr KN, Swinson T, Gartlehner G, Brody S, Miller WC. Perinatal depression: prevalence, screening accuracy, and screening outcomes. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Summ). 2005 Feb;(119):1-8. doi: 10.1037/e439372005-001. No abstract available.
• Gjerdingen DK, Yawn BP. Postpartum depression screening: importance, methods, barriers, and recommendations for practice. J Am Board Fam Med. 2007 May-Jun;20(3):280-8. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2007.03.060171.
• Slomian J, Honvo G, Emonts P, Reginster JY, Bruyere O. Consequences of maternal postpartum depression: A systematic review of maternal and infant outcomes. Womens Health (Lond). 2019 Jan-Dec;15:1745506519844044. doi: 10.1177/1745506519844044. Erratum In: Womens Health (Lond). 2019 Jan-Dec;15:1745506519854864.
• Furtado M, Chow CHT, Owais S, Frey BN, Van Lieshout RJ. Risk factors of new onset anxiety and anxiety exacerbation in the perinatal period: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2018 Oct 1;238:626-635. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.05.073. Epub 2018 Jun 18.
• Goodman SH, Gotlib IH. Risk for psychopathology in the children of depressed mothers: a developmental model for understanding mechanisms of transmission. Psychol Rev. 1999 Jul;106(3):458-90. doi: 10.1037/0033-295x.106.3.458.
• Tietz A, Zietlow AL, Reck C. Maternal bonding in mothers with postpartum anxiety disorder: the crucial role of subclinical depressive symptoms and maternal avoidance behaviour. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2014 Oct;17(5):433-42. doi: 10.1007/s00737-014-0423-x. Epub 2014 Apr 1.
• Trost SL, Beauregard JL, Smoots AN, Ko JY, Haight SC, Moore Simas TA, Byatt N, Madni SA, Goodman D. Preventing Pregnancy-Related Mental Health Deaths: Insights From 14 US Maternal Mortality Review Committees, 2008-17. Health Aff (Millwood). 2021 Oct;40(10):1551-1559. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2021.00615.
• Wisner KL, Hanusa BH, Perel JM, Peindl KS, Piontek CM, Sit DK, Findling RL, Moses-Kolko EL. Postpartum depression: a randomized trial of sertraline versus nortriptyline. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2006 Aug;26(4):353-60. doi: 10.1097/01.jcp.0000227706.56870.dd.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): September 19, 2023
• Primary Completion (Estimated): May 1, 2025
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 1, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: June 1, 2023
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 1, 2023
• First Posted (Actual): June 9, 2023

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): October 3, 2023
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: September 29, 2023
• Last Verified: September 1, 2023

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Pregnancy; Postpartum; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Mobile App; Perinatal; mobile Health (mHealth); Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Behavioral Symptoms; Depression
• Other Study ID Numbers: 22-10025299

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No