Currently submitted to: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Apr 1, 2026
Open Peer Review Period: Apr 1, 2026 - May 27, 2026
(currently open for review)
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
“Be Well, Mommy”: Feasibility Assessment of an Interactive Booklet for Addressing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Using the APEASE Criteria”
ABSTRACT
Background:
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders occurring any time during the perinatal period affect 15–20% of birthing parents in the USA and are frequently underdiagnosed. Technology-based tools may improve early detection of mental health issues, expand access to support, and reduce barriers to help-seeking behaviors.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and practicability of “Be Well, Mommy,” a mobile interactive booklet designed to support postpartum mental health, developed using a 10-step Social Marketing framework. Secondary objectives included assessing its potential to raise mental health awareness, normalizing postpartum emotional challenges, and facilitating help-seeking with patients, and healthcare provider perspectives to inform refinements. Insights from this feasibility trial will guide improvements and future large-scale implementation.
Methods:
Researchers conducted a qualitative feasibility project in Southeast Georgia with 15 first-time female parents and five healthcare providers. Participants were asked to use the booklet for two weeks and were followed by three focus groups with mothers and five in-depth provider interviews. Researchers analyzed data thematically using NVivo 15 and the APEASE criteria: Acceptability, Practicability, Perceived Effectiveness, Affordability, Side-effects, and Equity.
Results:
Findings revealed mixed acceptability. Birthing parents described the booklet as supportive, easy to navigate, visually appealing, and helpful in normalizing emotional challenges after childbirth. Experts, however, expressed concerns about limited clinical depth and difficulties in integrating it into practice. Practicability was generally high, though minor navigation and technical issues were identified. The free, mobile-friendly format enhanced affordability and equity. No major safety concerns emerged, although some participants found celebrity stories less relatable.
Conclusions:
Overall, “Be Well, Mommy” demonstrates preliminary feasibility as an accessible, awareness-raising tool that may support early recognition of postpartum mental health concerns and encourage help-seeking. Refinements, including expanded evidence-based content, improved navigation, and enhanced provider engagement, are recommended prior to large-scale implementation. Further longitudinal and quantitative research is needed to assess effectiveness and scalability. Clinical Trial: N/A-Pilot study
Citation
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