Preventing postpartum depression in immigrant Latinas
Preventing Postpartum Depression Among Immigrant Latinas Though a Virtual Group Intervention
This study is testing a virtual support group to see if it can help immigrant Latinas prevent postpartum depression by teaching them skills to manage their mood.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT05873569 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to prevent postpartum depression (PPD) among immigrant Latinas through a virtual group intervention called Mothers and Babies Virtual Group (MB-VG). The intervention is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy principles and is designed to teach mood regulation skills to women at risk for PPD. Given the unique challenges faced by immigrant Latinas, such as acculturative stress and limited access to traditional healthcare, this study seeks to deliver effective mental health support in a more accessible format. The effectiveness of this approach will be evaluated through a randomized controlled trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Latina women who speak Spanish, are at least 16 years old, and are either pregnant or have a child under 9 months old with elevated depressive symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients who are experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms or who are not at risk for postpartum depression will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the incidence of postpartum depression among immigrant Latinas, improving their mental health and parenting outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar virtual interventions for mental health, but this specific approach targeting immigrant Latinas is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Self-identify as Latina * Speak Spanish * Be at least 16 years old * Be pregnant or have a child \<9 months * Have access to a device they can use for MB-VG sessions. * Elevated depressive symptoms either scores of 5-14 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and/or scores 3.5 or greater prenatally or 4.5 or greater prenatally on the Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who score \>14 on the EPDS are exhibiting moderately severe to severe depressive symptoms and will be excluded given our prevention focus. * Individuals not at risk for PPD-i.e., EPDS scores \<5 and under the PDPI-R cutoff-will also be excluded.
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Darius Tandon, PhD — Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Darius Tandon, PhD
- Email: dtandon@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 410-852-0399
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.