A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Virtually Delivered Group-Based Mothers and Babies for Latina Immigrant Mothers

Background

Immigrant Latinas are at higher risk for postpartum depression (PPD) than the general perinatal population, yet face numerous barriers to accessing mental health services. The goal of this study was to pilot an enhanced virtual group delivery of a PPD prevention program, Mothers and Babies (MB), among immigrant Latinas engaged in early childhood programming.

Methods

Forty-nine Spanish-speaking mothers participated in one of four MB virtual groups, facilitated by trained bilingual staff at affiliated early learning centers. MB was enhanced to also target social determinants of health. A mixed-methods design was used to evaluate MB using participant interviews and pre–post surveys measuring depressive symptoms, parenting distress, and self-efficacy to manage emotions.

Results

On average, participants attended 69% of MB virtual sessions and rated group cohesiveness at a 4.6 on a 5-point scale. Paired-samples t tests showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms (Cohen's d = 0.29; p = .03) and parenting distress (Cohen's d = 0.31; p = .02), and improved self-efficacy to manage emotions (Cohen’s d = −0.58; p < .001). Participants reported both benefits and drawbacks of the virtual format and provided largely favorable feedback on program enhancements.

Conclusions

Results provide initial evidence for the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of an enhanced virtual group PPD prevention program for immigrant Latinas, delivered in partnership with local early learning centers. These findings have important implications for extending the reach of preventive interventions among a population that faces many structural and linguistic barriers to traditional forms of mental health service delivery.