Digital Technology Needs in Maternal Mental Health: A Qualitative Inquiry.

Authors

Alexandra Zingg, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Health Information Sciences, Houston TX, USA
Laura Carter
Deevakar Rogith
Amy Franklin
Sudhakar Selvaraj
Jerrie Refuerzo
Sahiti Myneni

Publication Date

5-27-2021

Abstract

Digital technologies offer many opportunities to improve mental healthcare management for women seeking pre- and-postnatal care. They provide a discrete, practical medium that is well-suited for the sensitive nature of mental health. Women who are more prone to experiencing peripartum depression (PPD), such as those of low-socioeconomic background or in high-risk pregnancies, can benefit the most from such technologies. However, current digital interventions directed towards this population provide suboptimal support, and their responsiveness to end user needs is quite limited. Our objective is to understand the digital terrain of information needs for low-socioeconomic status women with high-risk pregnancies, specifically within the management of their mental health. This qualitative study consists of semi-structured focus groups and interviews with a sample of nineteen patients. A total of eleven core themes emerged from participant comments. Resulting themes highlighted the need for digital technologies that promote personalized care, a sense of community, and improved provider communication.

Keywords

Digital Technology, Family, Female, Focus Groups, Humans, Mental Health, Pregnancy, Qualitative Research