Digital Solutions for Perinatal Depression in India

Depression and anxiety during pregnancy and/or the first year postpartum (”the perinatal period”) affect up to 22% of women in India with little to no access to timely care or intervention. Some of the biggest barriers to seeking and obtaining early help during this time are mothers' limited access and engagement with traditional face-to-face treatment services due to lack of trained mental health professionals, sociocultural customs in traditions, high costs, geographical distance to services, logistical issues, and perceived stigma associated with seeking help, prompting many women to seek digital solutions.

The research has developed such an app with the aim to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and utility of using a decision-making app for perinatal depression and anxiety in India. In doing so, the effectiveness of the decision-making skills of women will be compared to treatment decisions conducted by healthcare workers trained in mental health.