The Power and Promise of Postpartum Self Care: Evaluation of a Web-Based Tool for Underserved Women

Abstract

Objectives Joyuus is a culturally diverse, comprehensive online tool designed to address the self-care needs of underserved postpartum women. The tool provides actionable self-care information, knowledge, and skills to improve postpartum health and identifies red flags for when self-care shifts to seeking care. Methods We employed a mixed-methods multiphase design to evaluate the Joyuus prototype, including a pre-post evaluation (N = 87) to assess behavioral health outcomes before and after using the tool for a one-month period. 91% completed the post-test (N = 79). The analysis focused on estimation of treatment effect (via 95% confidence intervals) and fitness of instruments in this population. Results Participants were between 6 months pregnant and one year postpartum, a mean age of 30 years, 100% female, 99% Black, with nearly equal distribution of married (55%) and not married (44%), and above (47%) and below (46%) annual income of $60 K. Key measures saw significant improvement from pre- (mean = 26.44, SD = 5.39) to post (mean = 28.29, SD = 5.26) on the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (p < 0.001) Trends toward improvement (not statistically significant) were noted for Depression (EPDS) (p = 0.624) and Anxiety (STAI) (p = 0.286), and no meaningful change on MOS Social Support or COVID-19 Mental Health Impacts Measures. Conclusions for Practice This pilot study demonstrates that a self-care mobile tool has the potential to address significant health outcomes related to maternal morbidity and mortality. By providing a continuously available companion addressing physical, mental, and real-life questions, it creates value during postpartum for mothers who can often feel overwhelmed or isolated.

Evaluation of a Santun Sejati Web-Based Application: Mother and Baby Care With Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Approach

“…Through both applications, postpartum mothers can obtain information, interventions, and support needed during the postnatal period as an effort to prevent postpartum depression. The use of mobile apps in the context of health, particularly mental health, has become a common trend [3], [5], [11].…”

“…[1] These changes include complex physical and emotional changes, which require adapting to a new lifestyle in accordance with childbirth and a new role as a mother. [2], [3] In order to prevent depression and cope with the various changes after childbirth, it is important to have adequate social support and communication. The use of digital applications can be an effective way to increase support and facilitate communication between fellow members for sharing experiences.…”