Postpartum depression: combining a mobile application with recititations from the Holy Quran in Indonesia

Abstract

The incidence of postpartum depression in Indonesia is greater than the global average, and has detrimental effects on mothers, families, society and the country. Mobile applications are widely used to treat postpartum depression, but combining this with readings from the Holy Quran is uncommon in Indonesia. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combining mobile applications with the Holy Quran on postpartum depression symptoms. A randomised controlled pre-post-test time series was conducted from June to December 2020, involving 128 pregnant women in their third trimester. The ‘app’ group (64 participants) received the intervention until 2 months postpartum, while the control group (64 participants) received no intervention. The Edinburgh postpartum depression scale, state-trait anxiety inventor, and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale were used to gather data. Postpartum depression scores in the app group were significantly lower than in the control group. There were no differences in the anxiety or self-esteem scores between the app and control groups. The proportion of depression scores of 10 and above decreased by 25% in the app group and 7.8% in the control group. Use of a mobile application in combination with the Holy Quran voice may help reduce postpartum depressive symptoms in Indonesia. Maternity nurses and midwives may wish to recommend use of this app to the women they care for, if appropriate.