Usability, Acceptability, and Feasibility of Two Technology-Based Devices for Mental Health Screening in Perinatal Care: A Comparison of Web Versus App

Abstract

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (web pages and apps) in mental health has boosted. However, it is unknown which of these two devices can be better in terms of feasibility and acceptability. Our aim is to compare the feasibility, usability, and user satisfaction of two devices (web vs mobile application) of an online program for perinatal depression screening called HappyMom. In total, 348 and 175 perinatal women registered into HappyMom web and app version, respectively. The assessment protocol included different biopsychosocial evaluations (twice during pregnancy and thrice in the postpartum) and a satisfaction questionnaire. Results showed that a higher percentage of women in the web sample (27.3-51.1%) responded to each assessment compared to the app sample (9.1-53.1%). A smaller proportion of women in web sample never responded to any assessments. By contrast, the percentage of women who responded to all assessments was higher in app sample (longitudinal retention sample was 4.6% of web users and 9.1% of app users). In general, high satisfaction was found in both web and app users. Our result showed that online assessment methods are feasible and acceptable by perinatal women. However, dropout rates are a real problem that urge a solution that will be discussed further in the paper. Web and App devices present different advantages and limitations. The choice of one of them must be made taking into account the study's objective, the sample characteristics, and the dissemination possibilities.

Prevention of Emotional Disorders and Symptoms Under Health Conditions: A Pilot Study using the Unified Protocol in a Fertility Unit

“…Regarding our second objective, and in line with previous studies (e.g., Martínez-Borba et al, 2019), high satisfaction with assessments made over Internet was herein noted. However, we should consider that the women in our study had a high level of education, which might imply that our sample found the questions easier to understand and respond than women with a lower level of education.…”

The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Perinatal Depression: A Case Study

“…No cancellation sessions occurred, so adherence was maintained in the online format. These data show that, as has been found in previous research, the use of ICTs in the area of perinatal mental health could be well accepted not only by health professionals but also by women in the perinatal stage (Martínez-Borba et al, 2019). We therefore consider that it is feasible to promote the use of the UP through ICTs in perinatal mental health.…”

The Efficacy of Digital Cognitive–Behavioral Interventions in Supporting the Psychological Adjustment and Sleep Quality of Pregnant Women with Sub-Clinical Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…In this regard, albeit during pregnancy women might be more sedentary and better able to comply with the requirements of web-based interventions, which imply a static situation, the added value of smartphone-based interventions is their availability. Indeed, smartphone-based interventions can be available wherever and whenever [ 74 ], which might be perceived as being less demanding overall. Furthermore, smartphone-based interventions might have the added value of allowing the collection of ecological data, such as data collected through the ecological momentary assessment methodology [ 75 ], which might support the tailoring and adaptability of such interventions in different usage settings [ 76 ].…”

“…Nonetheless, both smartphone and web-based interventions have their specific benefits and limitations relating to their usability, feasibility, and acceptability, implying a trade-off between these factors. Accordingly, as pointed out by a recent study [ 74 ], the choice between a smartphone vs. a web-based deployment approach should be carefully weighted and guided by the specificities of the target population and the intervention aims, requirements, and overall structure [ 74 , 77 ].…”