Postpartum Wellness

Not Applicable

Completed

Brief Summary: The purpose of this study is to test whether a web-based (eHealth) exercise intervention for new moms at increased risk for postpartum depression increases physical activity and decreases postpartum depression symptoms.

Detailed Description: Postpartum depression is a debilitating and costly condition that is associated with significant health consequences for mothers and children. Counseling for prevention of postpartum depression is currently recommended in women at high risk of postpartum depression; however, there is a shortage of mental health care providers. There is a need for effective interventions to prevent postpartum depression that can be easily integrated into health care systems, yet do not involve intense health care system resources. eHealth interventions are promising in this regard.

Strong evidence suggests physical activity can reduce depression risk. This study will assess the effectiveness of an eHealth exercise intervention tailored to postpartum mothers for increasing physical activity levels and improving depressive symptoms in women at increased risk of postpartum depression. This intervention addresses several identified barriers to physical activity in postpartum women. The study will randomize 200 women to receive an eHealth exercise intervention for postpartum women or usual postpartum care. Device-based physical activity and depressive symptoms will be measured at 3 and 6 months after randomization.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

KPNC member between 2 and 6 months postpartum
Current PHQ-8 score between 10-20 and no current depression diagnosis
Delivered baby in KPNC
English-speaking
Own a smartphone, computer, or TV with internet access
Free of a heart condition and a physician recommending medically supervised physical activity
Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 40 (kg/m2)
A baby weighing between 11-22 lbs

Exclusion Criteria

Engaged in regular, moderate or vigorous physical activity >90 minutes or more per week
Pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the ensuing three months
A baby with chronic illness/disorder(s) that prevent participant from holding or lifting him/her
Chest pain during physical activity, or has had chest pain within the prior month
Taking medication for hypertension or a heart condition
Tendency to fall due to syncope or dizziness
Orthopedic problems that might be aggravated by physical activity
Has exercise-induced asthma

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Depression Symptoms	3 months	Continuous measure of depressive symptoms as assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). PHQ-8 scores range from 0-24. A score of 1-4 suggests minimal depression, 5-9 mild depression, 10-14 moderate depression, 15-19 moderately severe depression and 20-24 severe depression.
Device-Measured Physical Activity	3 months	Actigraph-measured minutes of moderate/vigorous physical activity

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Self-reported Physical Activity	6 months	Self-reported moderate/vigorous physical activity
Device-measured Physical Activity	6 months	Actigraph-measured minutes of moderate/vigorous physical
Depressive Symptoms	6 months	Continuous measure of depressive symptoms as assessed in the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). PHQ-8 scores range from 0-24. A score of 1-4 suggests minimal depression, 5-9 mild depression, 10-14 moderate depression, 15-19 moderately severe depression and 20-24 severe depression.