Early Referral and AI Screening for Mental Health in Pregnant and Postpartum Women Using the e-Perinatal App

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an early diagnosis detection and referral strategy for mental health disorders during the perinatal period. This study is embedded within a larger cluster randomized trial focusing on maternal perinatal depression and anxiety disorders. It also aims to validate and implement an Artificial Intelligence-based algorithm for early screening in routine maternal care. Participants will use the e-Perinatal app, a personalized mobile health program that offers digital micro-interventions on psychological health, physical activity, healthy lifestyle, social support, mental health monitoring, an SOS assistance button, and appointment reminders. The app is integrated into routine maternal care and used from recruitment during pregnancy until 12 months postpartum. The study compares this intervention with standard routine maternal care provided by the public healthcare system. During the study, data will be collected through questionnaires, clinical records, and interviews with participants and healthcare professionals. Researchers will measure the feasibility and acceptability of the referral strategy, identify at-risk participants, track referral timing and engagement with specialized mental health services. The study lasts from recruitment through an average of 18 months, covering baseline to 12 months postpartum with ongoing follow-up to assess outcomes.

Feasibility and Implementation of Early Referral in Perinatal Mental Health