# Preventing postpartum depression among immigrant Latinas through a virtual group intervention

> **NIH NIH R01** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $710,934

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of women, with immigrant Latinas disproportionately affected.
PPD prevention and treatment is limited among immigrant Latinas due to an array of structural and cultural
factors, suggesting the need to deliver interventions outside of traditional healthcare settings. Virtual
interventions have the potential to reduce barriers to mental health services for immigrant Latinas, but there is
little research on the effectiveness of virtual interventions to reduce PPD symptoms. Mothers and Babies is an
evidence-based group intervention based on principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy and attachment theory
aimed at PPD prevention. Mothers and Babies was adapted for delivery via a virtual group format (Mothers
and Babies Virtual Group; MB-VG), with a pilot study suggesting good feasibility and acceptability as well as
improved mental health outcomes for immigrant Latinas. The proposed project is a Type 1 Effectiveness-
Implementation randomized controlled trial among pregnant individuals and new mothers at risk for PPD based
on elevated depressive symptoms and/or other established risk factors who are enrolled in early childhood
programs across Maryland. A total of 300 women will be enrolled; 150 will receive MB-VG while 150 will
receive usual family support services. The project aims to evaluate: 1) the effectiveness of MB-VG to reduce
depressive symptoms, prevent onset of PPD, and improve parenting self-efficacy and responsiveness; 2)
implementation of MB-VG; and 3) contextual factors influencing MB-VG effectiveness and implementation. An
exploratory aim will also examine child self-regulation and school readiness outcomes among participants
(~N=150) who have older children aged 2.5-4.5 years. Trained early childhood center staff will deliver MB-VG
sessions, with intervention participants receiving virtual group sessions via Zoom using any electronic device
(smartphone, tablet, laptop). Maternal self-report surveys are conducted at baseline, 1 week, 3 months, and 6
months post-intervention, with structured clinical interviews also conducted at 3- and 6-months post-
intervention. Key informant interviews with MB-VG facilitators and recipients, as well as early childhood
program directors will provide data on MB-VG implementation and contextual factors influencing
implementation. Fidelity of MB-VG delivery will be assessed via rigorous coding of intervention session audio
recordings. Our study is the first to deliver a virtual PPD preventive intervention to immigrant Latinas and to
evaluate its impact. Given its virtual delivery modality, MB-VG can be easily replicated and scaled to other
family support programs and settings serving immigrant Latinas. If effective and implemented broadly, more
immigrant Latinas will receive mental health services and fewer will suffer the negative consequences
associated with PPD. The proposed project is aligned with NIMHD’s high priority areas, including develo...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10503930
- **Project number:** 1R01MD017622-01
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Rheanna Edith Platt
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $710,934
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-18 → 2027-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10503930

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10503930, Preventing postpartum depression among immigrant Latinas through a virtual group intervention (1R01MD017622-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10503930. Licensed CC0.

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