Actively Recruiting
A Mobile Application for Early Detection and Symptoms Trajectories of Postpartum Depression Using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA): A Prospective Cohort Validation Study
Led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Updated on 2026-02-03
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
T
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Lead Sponsor
T
The University of Hong Kong
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying postpartum depression in pregnant women by using a mobile application to monitor emotional well-being and psychosocial factors from pregnancy through the postnatal period. This observational study aims to evaluate the validity of mobile ecological momentary assessment (EMA) for tracking dynamic mood symptoms and identifying different symptom patterns over six months. The study will recruit 120 women to better understand depression symptom trajectories and to support tailored interventions. Participants will use a mobile app for both momentary and retrospective assessments. EMA questions about mood, sleep, exercise, physical well-being, and environmental context will be asked three times daily during five-day periods each month for six months. Additionally, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) will be completed at the start and monthly. This approach allows detailed and frequent tracking of symptoms and lifestyle factors. During the study, participants will complete six periods of EMA assessments alongside seven retrospective assessments over six months, starting from the third trimester to three months postpartum. Researchers will analyze mood symptoms and related factors using statistical methods to find symptom patterns. Participants will also complete the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale and a post-study acceptance survey. The study includes regular monitoring to assess feasibility and validity, with all data collected via the mobile app.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
A Mobile Application for Early Detection and Symptoms Trajectories of Postpartum Depression Using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Pregnant women in their first and second trimesters
- Aged 18 years and older
- Able to read and understand Chinese
- Own a smartphone with iOS or Android system
You will not qualify if you...
- Psychiatric diagnosis such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, or intellectual disability
- Comorbid brain conditions including history of epilepsy, stroke, or brain tumors
- Learning disabilities
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening and enrollment visit (remote or in-person)
Duration - 6 months from the third trimester to three months postpartum
Participants complete ecological momentary assessments (EMA) and retrospective assessments via a mobile application to track mood symptoms and lifestyle factors.
Three momentary assessments per day for five consecutive days each month, plus monthly retrospective assessments
Duration - Short period following the 6-month monitoring
Participants complete a post-study acceptance survey online after finishing the 6-month assessment period.
1 online survey
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jessie LIN, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here