Text-Based Screening for Postpartum Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders

Overseen By Keara Lincoln, MSW

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina

Disqualifiers: Non-English/Spanish speakers, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 21 months

9444 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on screening and referral through text messages, so it's unlikely that you would need to change your medication routine.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Listening to Women & Postpartum People for postpartum mental health and substance use disorders?

Research shows that internet-based interventions can effectively reduce postpartum depression, and online screening methods are feasible and acceptable for postpartum women, suggesting that similar text-based approaches could be beneficial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is text-based screening for postpartum mental health and substance use disorders safe for humans?

The studies on interactive voice response and online screening for postpartum depression suggest that these methods are generally safe and feasible for postpartum women, as they provide a convenient and private way to screen for mental health issues without any reported adverse effects. ^{2 3 4 6 7}

How does the treatment 'Listening to Women & Postpartum People' differ from other treatments for postpartum mental health and substance use disorders?

The 'Listening to Women & Postpartum People' treatment is unique because it focuses on text-based screening, which allows for convenient and private access to mental health support, especially for those in rural or underserved areas. This approach can help overcome the fear and stigma associated with postpartum mental health issues by providing a more accessible and less intimidating way for individuals to seek help. ^{2 3 4 8 9}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of the study is to compare a text message-based mental health and substance use screening and referral to a treatment program, called Listening to Women and Pregnant and Postpartum People (LTWP), to standard of care in-person mental health and substance use screening to look at rates of treatment attendance and retention in treatment. Participation would involve completing online questionnaires. You may be eligible to participate if you are age 18-45 years, are pregnant and entering prenatal care in one of MUSC's OB clinics, and attended a prenatal appointment at an MUSC clinic.

Research Team

Constance Guille, MD

Principal Investigator

Medical University of South Carolina

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for pregnant individuals aged 18-45 who are receiving prenatal care at MUSC's OB clinics and have attended a prenatal appointment there. It aims to help those facing postpartum depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18-45, pregnant, and have attended a prenatal appointment at an MUSC clinic.

Exclusion Criteria

For Aim 2: Unable to complete study assessments

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive either in-person or text-message-based screening and referral to treatment for mental health and substance use disorders

21 months

Ongoing visits as needed

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in substance use, depressive symptoms, and maternal functioning during the postpartum year

21 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Listening to Women & Postpartum People

Trial Overview The study compares a text message-based program called LTWP with standard in-person screening for mental health and substance use issues. It looks at how well participants start and stick with treatment programs after being referred.

Participant Groups

Group I: Listening to Women & Pregnant & Postpartum People (LTWP) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This group will receive text-message-based SBIRT with phone-based assessment and referral to treatment. The SBIRT is a survey with 9 questions related to depression, anxiety, substance abuse (alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs including prescription medication), and domestic violence.

Group II: Screening Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Active Control 1 Intervention

This group will receive in-person screening and referral to treatment assessment.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Medical University of South Carolina

Lead Sponsor

Trials

994

Recruited

7,408,000+

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute

Collaborator

Trials

592

Recruited

27,110,000+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Internet-based interventions for postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Screening for postpartum depression among low-income mothers using an interactive voice response system. [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Online screening and referral for postpartum depression: an exploratory study. [2021]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using the internet to screen for postpartum depression. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pregnancy and the Acceptability of Computer-Based Versus Traditional Mental Health Treatments. [2018]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Epidemiology of postpartum depressive symptoms among Canadian women: regional and national results from a cross-sectional survey. [2017]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Identification of women at high risk of postpartum psychiatric episodes: A population-based study quantifying relative and absolute risks following exposure to selected risk factors and genetic liability. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Perinatal depression screening using smartphone technology: Exploring uptake, engagement and future directions for the MGH Perinatal Depression Scale (MGHPDS). [2021]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring the Postpartum Adjustment Questionnaire as a predictor of postpartum depression. [2019]