MaMa Study
One in five women in the United States feel sadness, anxiety, or stress while pregnant or shortly after giving birth. If not treated, postpartum or perinatal depression and anxiety can contribute to health complications for both mother and baby. The Maternal Mental Health Access (MMHA = "MaMa") Study is a prevention program for women who are at-risk for postpartum depression. The program is available by internet 24/7.
What is the purpose of the study?
Depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy can lead to health problems for the mother and baby. This study offers a prevention program through a patient education internet portal. We will learn about your preferences for prevention by allowing you to choose how to participate in the education portal, group videoconference sessions, and/or social media discussion. This study aims to understand how to offer convenient, easy- to-access programs to prevent postpartum depression.
Who can participate in the study?
You may be eligible to participate if you are pregnant or postpartum (up to 1 year), 18 years or older, attend a UHealth clinic or a rural Utah public health clinic, and have risk factors that increase your chances for developing depression (any history of depression, stressful life events, currently have mild or moderate symptoms of depression). The program is offered in English or Spanish.
How does the study work?
You will use a free internet-based patient education portal (YoMingo) with the University of Utah Health to explore a self-guided 8-week prevention program. Depending on your assigned group, you will also choose to participate in 4 group videoconference sessions or a Facebook discussion board. You will also complete surveys several times during the study. No need to travel or find a babysitter! The program is facilitated by community health workers with referral to mental health professionals when needed. Compensation is available for participation.
How to Participate
If you are at risk for postpartum depression (you have a history of depression, anxiety, stressful life events, or currently have mild to moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety), you may be eligible to participate in this study. Please take the screening survey below to find out if you are eligible for participation.
Contact Us
Call or Text: (385) 444-0511
Email: momsmentalhealth@utah.edu
This study is conducted by Dr. Gwen Latendresse at the University of Utah College of Nursing (IRB_00159109)