Pilot Study of Together in Parenting, a New Digital Program to Prevent Depression and Anxiety in New Fathers

What this Trial Is About

This research focuses on preventing paternal postpartum depression PPD, a condition affecting men nearly as frequently as women but lacking tailored preventive programs. While maternal PPD prevention interventions exist, few target fathers specifically, despite their unique challenges such as stigma and different symptom presentations. Paternal PPD is underdiagnosed and undertreated, increasing risks for both mothers and children. The study evaluates a novel digital intervention designed to address these gaps and support new or expectant fathers at high risk for PPD. The intervention, called Together in Parenting TIP, delivers an interpersonal therapy-based curriculum through podcasts and digital handouts, aiming to improve fathers communication, social support, and coping strategies during the postpartum period. TIP is provided via a secure website with individualized access, allowing monitoring of engagement. The study compares TIP to routine care in a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess feasibility and acceptability, with the intervention structured around 12 podcast lessons ranging from 8 to 15 minutes each, supplemented by interactive exercises. Participants will be followed from randomization through three months postpartum, with assessments of mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, stress, and parenting confidence at multiple postpartum intervals. Maternal well-being will also be evaluated at study completion. Researchers will track usage data from the digital platform and collect feedback to determine the best timing for delivering TIP. The total study duration extends through 2027, aiming to inform future, larger trials of this paternal PPD prevention approach.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Novel Digital Intervention to Prevent Paternal Postpartum Depression