Internet-based cognitive–behavioural therapy for prevention of depression during pregnancy and in the post partum (iPDP): a protocol for a large-scale randomised controlled trial

Abstract

IntroductionThe objective of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) is to examine the effects of smartphone-based cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) in preventing the onset of major depressive episodes (MDE) among pregnant women.Methods and analysisThe target study population will be pregnant women of 16–20 weeks gestation who are currently users of ‘Luna Luna Baby’, the most widely used app for pregnant women in Japan. Those who meet the eligibility criteria will be randomly allocated to the 6-module internet CBT programme that was newly developed for pregnant women (n=2500), or to a treatment-as-usual control group (n=2500). Participants in the intervention groups will be required to complete the programme by 32 weeks gestation. The primary outcomes are the number of new onsets of MDE, measured by using WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0 at 32 weeks gestation and 3 months post partum. Survival analysis will be conducted to test for the effectiveness of the intervention on the time to the onset of MDE.Ethics and disseminationThe study plan has been approved by the Research Ethics Review Board of the Graduate School of Medicine/Faculty of Medicine, the University of Tokyo (2019150NI). If the intervention programmes are found to produce a significant positive effect in this RCT, these programmes can be made available for all users of the app in the future.Trial registration numberUMIN000038190; Pre-results.

Crosstalk between SARS-CoV-2 and Testicular Hemostasis: Perspective View

“…R.G. Ahmed Division of Anatomy and Embryology, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt *Address all correspondence to: ahmedragab08@gmail.com including intrauterine inseminations (IUIs) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) during the COVID-19 pandemic [79], particularly, for patients who have immunocompromised diseases (AIDS, cancer, or malnutrition) or chronic diseases (cardiovascular, hepatic, or renal diseases, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus) [80,81]. Similarly, the French Biomedicine Agency (ABM) suspended ART during this period [82].…”

Potential impacts of COVID-19 on reproductive health: Scientific findings and social dimension

“… Use a disinfected breast pump for newborn breastfeeding to avoid direct contact. For infertile patients and medical staff in ART centers ( Vaiarelli et al, 2020 , Nishi et al, 2020 ): Expand telemedicine and psychological support between patients and ART specialists. Give priority access to new ART treatments according to urgent need (women with advanced maternal age or reduced ovarian reserve, avoiding procedures including timed sexual intercourse and IUIs for younger women, for whom the ‘time’ variable is less important).…”

“…For infertile patients and medical staff in ART centers ( Vaiarelli et al, 2020 , Nishi et al, 2020 ):…”

The effects of a group cognitive behavioral therapy program using video communication for pregnant women with depressed mood in Korea: a pilot study

“…CBT is effective [16,17]. In South Korea, however, there is a paucity of research on interventions using CBT, although there are reports on prenatal education programs with spouse participation [18] and PPD counseling programs for husbands [19].…”